Puka Nacua injury update: Sean McVay reveals decision to place Los Angeles Rams WR on IR

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay announced Monday that wide receiver Puka Nacua will be placed on injured reserve, meaning that Nacua will miss at least four games.

Nacua has a sprained PCL, according to McVay. One of the NFL’s top rookies in 2023, Nacua injured his right knee Sunday night in Detroit while making a catch midway through the second quarter of a 26-20 overtime loss to the Lions.

He initially made a trip to the medial tent, where trainers re-taped his knee, which he originally injured during a training camp joint practice last month. Although Nacua made a brief return to action, he ultimately exited the game again. After halftime, the Rams announced that he would miss the remainder of the game.

Nacua was carted off the field in Detroit, marking a premature end to his season opener.

Before his injury, Nacua caught four passes for 35 yards. His longest reception of those four grabs went for 16 yards. He also carried the ball for seven additional yards.

Nacua, who finished his college career at BYU, was a fifth-round pick in last year’s NFL Draft. He took the league by storm, setting rookie records for receptions (105), receiving yards (1,486), single-game receptions (15) and receiving yards in a playoff game (181).

Nacua carted off ahead of second half against the Lions

Puka Nacua did not play in the second half of the team’s season opener against the Detroit Lions.

The Rams announced that Nacua was out after suffering a knee injury in the first half.