The Los Angeles Rams survived Washington in Week 9, but they may have lost their most important offensive weapon in the process.
Puka Nacua was hurt on the Rams’ final offensive play in the 20-13 win over the Commanders, and he is expected to land on injured reserve with a knee injury, leaving the Rams without both of their top two receivers as they head into the stretch run.
So, when will Puka Nacua return?
Let’s assess his outlook.
When will Puka Nacua return?
The earliest Puka Nacua can return is Week 15.
Head coach Sean McVay said Monday that Nacua suffered MCL and PCL sprains in his right knee, plus turf toe, and that the Los Angeles Rams will likely place him on IR. McVay did not give a specific timeline, but said it will be at least a month.
An IR stint means a minimum of four missed games, and with the Rams’ bye coming in Week 11, the earliest he could return is the Dec. 20 game against the Cowboys.
The injury came after a huge day for Nacua, who caught 14 passes for a season-high 150 yards and a touchdown, his third straight game with a score.
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Puka Nacua injury history
| Date | Team | Injury | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 4, 2024 |
 LAR |
Right knee (bursa sac) | Sept. 8, 2024 Missed most of August; no regular-season games missed |
| Sept. 8, 2024 |
LAR |
Right knee (PCL sprain), placed on IR | Oct. 24, 2024 Missed five games |
| Oct. 12, 2025 |
LAR |
Ankle injury | Nov. 2, 2025 Missed one game |
| Sept. 2026 |
LAR |
Groin/hip injury | Oct. 4, 2026 Missed two games |
| Nov. 8, 2026 |
LAR |
Right knee MCL and PCL sprains, turf toe | Dec. 20, 2026 at the earliest Expected to go on IR; at least a month |
Who will start at WR if Puka Nacua is OUT?
This is a major blow to a Rams offense that is already without Davante Adams, who has been on IR since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 6.
With both Nacua and Adams sidelined, the Rams' WR corps will be led by Tutu Atwell, Konata Mumpfield, Jordan Whittington, and CJ Daniels, who have combined for just 273 receiving yards this season.
With the trade deadline looming at 4 p.m. ET, the Rams could be looking to bolster their receiving depth chart, with Josh Downs and Jerry Jeudy among potential targets.
Puka Nacua injury: Odds impact
While upcoming opponents like the Chiefs and Texans could pose problems for a now one-dimensional Rams offense, QB Matthew Stafford gets a much more favorable matchup against an Arizona defense allowing a 108.9 opposing passer rating this season.
Drew Lock had little trouble running Seattle's offense in place of Sam Darnold against Arizona last week, and the Rams' shorthanded receiving corps should be just fine in the desert as 9.5-point favorites, especially with Sean McVay expected to lean heavily on the rushing duo of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum in a positive game script.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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