Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay announced on November 9, 2026, that star wide receiver Puka Nacua is likely headed to injured reserve with a sprained MCL and PCL in his right leg, alongside turf toe, following a 20-13 win over the Washington Commanders reported by ESPN.
Nacua Suffered a Knee Injury During a Jet Sweep
The injuries occurred on the final offensive play of Sunday’s game in Landover, Maryland, as Nacua took a handoff on a third-and-11 jet sweep and gained five yards to help run out the clock. Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves and Sonny Styles brought him down near the Commanders’ 46-yard line, resulting in a violent collision to his right knee (New York Post).
Prior to exiting, Nacua was targeted 19 times, pulling in 14 catches for 150 yards and a touchdown in the victory. The performance added to a historic start for the two-time Pro Bowler, whose 70 receptions through his first seven games set an NFL record. He also led the league in receptions and receiving yards since Week 4.
Here is slow-mo and zoomed in of #Puka knee injury Concur no ACL tear as per @MikeGarafolo MRI pending, worry of contusion/hyperextension pic.twitter.com/jIl1DOJ5FI
I’d be lying to you if I said I haven’t questioned the decision-making on that last play over and over in my head of what could have been another option that you felt like could have gotten a conversion and maybe ended the game that would’ve led to him not taking a violent hit to his right knee,
McVay told reporters on Monday, according to ESPN.
McVay added, And so it’s stuff that I feel tremendous responsibility for, and we’ve got to be able to figure out how to protect these guys while also putting them in positions that help our team and allow them to be able to shine.
An MRI confirmed the structural damage, and McVay stated the team expects the receiver to miss at least a month. Missing at least four games means Nacua will sit out matchups against the Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Francisco 49ers before he is eligible to return in Week 15 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Rams Offense Faces Depleted Roster Due to Hamstring Injuries
The absence of Nacua leaves the 5-4 Rams severely depleted on offense, as fellow wide receiver Davante Adams is already on injured reserve with a hamstring injury (NBC Sports). Offensive lineman Steve Avila also suffered a hamstring strain against Washington, and tight end Terrance Ferguson is sidelined after hurting his hamstring in Friday’s practice.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford will now rely on a receiving corps featuring Tutu Atwell, Konata Mumpfield, Jordan Whittington, and CJ Daniels, alongside tight ends Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, and Davis Allen. With general manager Les Snead facing a looming trade deadline, options such as Jacksonville’s Brian Thomas Jr., Indianapolis’ Josh Downs, and the Jets’ Isaiah Williams have drawn attention as potential targets.
When asked whether the mounting injuries would force the front office to alter its approach ahead of the trade deadline, McVay left the door open.
Rams WR Puka Nacua is likely to be placed injured reserve due to MCL and PCL sprains, per HC Sean McVay. pic.twitter.com/ONNnk78zbt
I think you look at all avenues,
McVay said, according to ESPN, noting that the organization is evaluating its current roster and practice squad while acknowledging, And so a lot of new things that occur on a daily basis, and so I would never rule it out.
All-Pro WR Puka Nacua suffered a knee injury on the Rams’ final offensive snap today, and will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the injury, per @MikeGarafolo and me. The team does not believe he suffered a torn ACL, but the imaging Monday will tell more. pic.twitter.com/S264w2Fe0A
