Puka Nacua heads for MRI after getting injured on final snap

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Rams' Puka Nacua heads for MRI after suffering injury on final snap vs. Commanders

By Josh Davis Jr. | Last updated Nov 8, 2026 6:14 PM ET

The Los Angeles Rams face an injury concern involving Puka Nacua after their All-Pro receiver hurt his knee on the final offensive snap of Sunday’s 20-13 victory over the Washington Commanders.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo shared Sunday on X, formerly Twitter, that Nacua will undergo an MRI Monday to determine the extent of his knee injury, crediting joint reporting with ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Rams do not believe he suffered a torn ACL, though imaging will provide further clarity.

The injury overshadowed a productive afternoon for Nacua at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. He caught 14 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown on 19 targets, helping the Rams secure their third consecutive victory and improve to 5-4.

His availability beyond Sunday remains unresolved. The report did not establish a recovery timetable, leaving Monday’s examination as the next step in assessing whether he will miss time.

#Rams All-Pro WR Puka Nacua suffered a knee injury on the final offensive snap today and will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the injury, per @AdamSchefter and me.

The team does not believe he suffered a torn ACL, but the imaging Monday will tell more. pic.twitter.com/IxQEM00mXF
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 8, 2026

Puka Nacua injury adds uncertainty to depleted Rams offense

Nacua’s performance illustrated his importance to quarterback Matthew Stafford and an offense already operating without receiver Davante Adams, who is on injured reserve.

The Rams have also placed tight end Terrance Ferguson on injured reserve, reducing Stafford’s available receiving options. An extended absence for Nacua would leave Los Angeles without another central contributor to its passing attack.

Sunday’s victory moved the Rams above .500, continuing their recovery after a difficult start. Nacua played a substantial role in that result, commanding a team-high target total while supplying their only receiving touchdown.

Los Angeles also lost offensive lineman Steve Avila during the game. He exited with a hamstring injury in the second quarter and was ruled out early in the second half, with Beaux Limmer replacing him at left guard.

The Rams leave Washington with another win, but Monday’s MRI will provide the next significant update on Nacua’s knee and his availability moving forward.

Josh Davis Jr.

Josh Davis is a sports journalist and editor covering MLB, NFL, NBA, college football, and college basketball. He is a proud graduate of the University of Georgia’s Grady School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Davis currently serves as an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints and is the founder of OutOfSightSports.

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