Puka Nacua set for knee MRI after late injury in Rams win

Lead

Puka Nacua sustained a knee injury during the Los Angeles Rams’ 20-13 victory over the Washington Commanders on 8 November. Source 1Source 2Source 3

The injury came on the Rams’ final offensive play, a jet-sweep handoff on which Nacua gained five yards before being tackled. Source 1Source 3Source 5

It was a third-and-11 play with under two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Source 3

Before that late incident, Nacua caught 14 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown in the win. Source 1Source 2Source 3Source 5

The diagnosis

Nacua is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his knee on Monday, 9 November, with the examination intended to establish the extent of the damage. Source 1Source 2Source 3Source 4Source 5

The Rams’ early indication is that he did not suffer a torn anterior cruciate ligament, but that is not a final diagnosis while the scan remains pending. Source 1Source 2Source 3Source 5

Neither an injury grade nor an expected return timetable has been reported in the information currently available. Source 1Source 2Source 3Source 4Source 5

This latest issue follows two games missed earlier this season because of a groin or hip problem, while Nacua has also played through a calf issue in recent weeks. Source 1

Sporting impact

The result left the Rams at 5-4 and represented their third straight victory. Source 2

The Rams are already without Davante Adams, who is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Source 2Source 3

That existing absence puts added emphasis on the MRI result as the Rams assess their immediate planning after the win over Washington. Source 1Source 2Source 3Source 5

The supplied reports do not identify a replacement option for Nacua if the knee injury keeps him out. Source 1Source 2Source 3Source 5

Notes

FOX Sports reported that Nacua was attended to by medical staff on the sideline after the game. Source 3

The available reports agree on the key initial points: the injury happened late, an MRI is planned and the early belief is that it is not an ACL tear. Source 1Source 2Source 3Source 5

What remains unresolved is the precise diagnosis, including whether there is another structural issue in the knee. Source 1Source 2Source 3Source 4Source 5

Until the MRI findings are reported, the effect on Nacua’s availability cannot be established. Source 1Source 2Source 3Source 4Source 5