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.”
Adding to the update, Gary Klein reported on Wednesday morning that Nacua will not practice today. “Puka Nacua will not practice today, McVay said,” Klein wrote, emphasizing that the Rams are taking a cautious approach with their star receiver.
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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McVay: “We Were Being Smart” With the Puka Nacua Injury
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Following the game, head coach Sean McVay confirmed the team was cautious in bringing Nacua back onto the field. “Puka tried to be able to give it a go, just didn’t feel good enough,” McVay said. “He maybe could have really pressed through, but we were kind of more being smart than anything.”
The Rams remain in Baltimore before traveling to London to face the Jags on Sunday. With a bye week immediately afterward, the team 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.
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 more than capable of serving as the go-to target in Nacua’s absence.
Suppose LA can weather the next few weeks without its star receiver. In that case, 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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