Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua is expected to miss at least a month after suffering sprains to the medial and posterior cruciate ligaments in his right knee and turf toe, coach Sean McVay said Monday. McVay said the team is likely to place Nacua on injured reserve, but the Rams had not announced that transaction in their update.

What the Rams have confirmed

The injuries came during the Rams’ 20-13 win over the Washington Commanders on Nov. 8. Nacua caught 14 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown in the game, then left the field with a knee brace, according to the Associated Press. McVay said the MRI showed sprains to the MCL and PCL in Nacua’s right knee, along with turf toe.

The Rams said they expect Nacua to be out for at least a month. The coach described injured reserve as likely, but did not provide a specific return date. The team’s update also noted that starting guard Steve Avila is expected to miss significant time with a hamstring injury.

What the absence could mean

Nacua has 70 receptions for 715 yards and four touchdowns in seven games this season, according to NFL statistics. The Rams were already without receiver Davante Adams, who has a hamstring injury and no set return date, the AP reported. Nacua’s expected absence would leave Los Angeles without both of its leading receivers for an extended stretch.

The Rams’ upcoming schedule and more NFL coverage are available in The Globuzz’s NFL section. The team’s next updates will clarify whether Nacua is formally placed on injured reserve and how his recovery progresses.

Sources

Los Angeles Rams: Puka Nacua injury update

Associated Press report by Greg Beacham, carried by The Washington Post

NFL.com: Rams expect Nacua to be placed on injured reserve