The Los Angeles Rams improved to 4-2 after a 17-3 road win over the Baltimore Ravens, but the celebration was short-lived. Star wide receiver Puka Nacua suffered a sprained ankle that could sideline him for multiple weeks, according to NFL Network reporters Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport.
“WR Puka Nacua, the NFL’s leader in catches, suffered an ankle sprain that will likely cause him to miss time,” Rapoport wrote on X. “It would make sense for Nacua to be out next week against the Jaguars, then L.A. has a bye to regroup and assess.”
The injury occurred midway through the second quarter when Nacua landed awkwardly after a deep pass attempt. He was helped to the locker room but returned briefly in the third quarter, though he wasn’t the same explosive weapon fans have come to rely on. He finished the game with just two catches for 28 yards.
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Puka Nacua Absent from Rams Practice Again
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On Thursday morning, Sarah Barshop of ESPN reported:
“I don’t see WR Puka Nacua (ankle) at practice during the portion open to media.”
This marks the second consecutive day the Rams star has missed practice, highlighting the team’s cautious approach with their top target.
Head coach Sean McVay reiterated the careful handling of Nacua following the Ravens game:
“Puka tried to be able to give it a go, just didn’t feel good enough. He maybe could have really pressed through, but we were kind of more being smart than anything.”
With a bye week immediately afterward, the Rams may opt to rest Nacua until their Week 9 home game against the New Orleans Saints.
What Nacua’s Absence Means for the Rams
Losing Nacua, who leads the NFL with 54 receptions for 616 yards and two touchdowns, is a major blow to one of the league’s most efficient passing offenses. The Rams currently rank third in passing yards per game (269.2), and Nacua’s connection with Matthew Stafford has been central to that success, driving most of the team’s success with 42 percent of the team’s receiving first downs.
Without him, Los Angeles will turn to Davante Adams, Tutu Atwell, and Jordan Whittington to pick up the slack. Adams, though still building chemistry with Stafford, is expected to serve as the go-to target in Nacua’s absence.
If the LA can navigate the next few weeks without their star receiver, they’ll enter a critical stretch—including games against the 49ers, Seahawks, and Buccaneers—with a healthier, rested Nacua ready to return for the playoff push.
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