Puka Nacua Heads To IR, Two Other Ram Offensive Lineman Injured In Loss At Detroit

To add insult to injury, Sean McVay announced on Monday that the Los Angeles Rams placed second-year wide receiver Puka Nacua on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least four games from a PCL sprain in his knee. Nacua battled injuries during the off-season, specifically knee problems, and tried to continue to play on Sunday after initially leaving the field due to injury before calling it quits.

McVay also announced that center Steve Avila and left tackle Joe Noteboom would be placed on IR. Avila, entering his second season, picked up an MCL sprain that held him out for the second half against the Lions, and Noteboom will miss time with an ankle. The Rams struggled to keep a ferocious Detroit pass rush off quarterback Matthew Stafford, and an offensive line held together with string must find an answer to slow down the Arizona Cardinals in an NFC West showdown this weekend.

Mcvay gave context to the ailments at his press conference on Monday.

“Each of those three guys have unique injuries that, as of right now, it could keep them out longer than that. And so we’ll see,” he said. “Let’s not place expectations on when they’re going to come back, because these guys are so conscientious. Let’s allow them to be ready to go whenever their body says, and when the doctors do say. I know they’re going to accelerate it and be ready as quickly as possible.”

Nacua broke multiple records in his rookie season with 105 receptions and 1,486 receiving yards, becoming the perfect running mate next to Cooper Kupp and another weapon for Stafford to throw to. The Rams lost in the Wild Card round to the Lions lost season and start 2024 on the wrong foot with an 0-1 record in the competitive NFC West.