The Los Angeles Rams’ injury problems have worsened. Receiver Puka Nacua is likely to land on injured reserve after spraining the MCL and PCL in his right knee and suffering turf toe.
Coach Sean McVay said he has been second-guessing the decision to use Nacua on the final play of Sunday’s game against Washington, when the Rams were ahead. Nacua took a handoff on third down as Los Angeles tried to run out the clock. He gained five yards but absorbed a hard hit and stayed on the ground for a while before leaving under his own power.
“I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t questioned that decision over and over,” McVay told reporters Monday. He said he wondered whether another play could have gained the first down and ended the game without exposing Nacua to the hit. McVay added that he feels a strong responsibility to protect players while still putting them in positions to help the team.
Nacua is expected to miss a significant stretch, with the Rams already short-handed at receiver. Davante Adams has been sidelined since tearing a hamstring in Week 6. If Nacua goes on injured reserve, he will have to miss at least four games, against Arizona, Green Bay, Kansas City and San Francisco.
McVay said Los Angeles will consider every option, including a trade before the NFL deadline, to find another receiver for quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Nacua’s absence would be a major blow. Even after missing Weeks 2 and 3 with a hip injury, he has recorded 70 catches for 715 yards and four touchdowns. His 70 receptions are an NFL record for a player through his first seven games.
The Rams are 5-4 after Week 9, a start few expected amid injuries across the league and on their own roster. Los Angeles is currently outside the playoff picture and faces a difficult schedule ahead, so McVay and his staff will need to keep finding ways to adapt.
Still, McVay said he cannot simply dismiss his role in the decision that led to Nacua’s injury.
