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Puka Nacua’s injury outlook takes encouraging turn as IR decision looms

puka-nacua’s-injury-outlook-takes-encouraging-turn-as-ir-decision-looms
Puka Nacua’s injury outlook takes encouraging turn as IR decision looms

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Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua is expected to be placed on the injured reserve list list after the knee injuries he suffered in the game against the Washington Commanders this past weekend.

If Nacua does get an IR designation, he will have to miss at least four games with a potential to miss even more time.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) warms up before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Inglewood, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) warms up before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Inglewood, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. AP Photo/Caroline Brehman

This is bad news for the Rams. It would be even worse if Nacua’s season was over.

But, ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano reported that this is unlikely in an article that was published on Wednesday.

“Rams coach Sean McVay said Monday that Nacua was likely to land on injured reserve because of knee and toe injuries, but so far he has not. If the Rams put him on IR, the soonest he could return is Week 15 against the Cowboys,” Graziano wrote.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua warms up before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Oct. 12, 2026.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua warms up before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. AP Photo/Scott Strazzante

“If they think it’s possible Nacua might only have to miss four weeks, they could refrain from putting him on IR and possibly have him back in time for their Week 14 game at San Francisco.

“This all becomes moot if they put Nacua on IR this week, but just keep an eye on the situation if they don’t,” he continued.

“Speaking to people close to this situation Monday evening, they were very adamant that Nacua’s injury isn’t season-ending and that they hope to get him back for Week 14 or 15.”

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua reaches for an incomplete pass against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, in Landover, Md.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua reaches for an incomplete pass against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, in Landover, Md. AP Photo/Nick Wass

Graziano’s report that those close to the situation are “adamant” Nacua’s season isn’t over offers Rams fans a much-needed reason for optimism.

The bigger question is whether the Rams can remain competitive in his absence, which would give Nacua something meaningful to return to.

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