Puka Nacua's injury creates big problem for Matthew Stafford, Rams

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

Puka Nacua's injury creates massive problem for Matthew Stafford, Rams

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Nov 9, 2026 6:35 PM ET

Even when it seems like things are headed in the right direction for the Los Angeles Rams, they suffer another major injury blow.

Myles Garrett and Davante Adams are two players who have already suffered lengthy absences, and it now appears that a third superstar is headed for one as well.

Puka Nacua is likely headed to IR

According to ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter, superstar receiver Puka Nacua is likely headed to injured reserve after suffering multiple knee injuries in Sunday's win.

On the Rams' final offensive snap of the game, Nacua took a jet sweep handoff and, upon being tackled, suffered a sprained MCL, sprained PCL and a turf toe injury.

Nacua did avoid a worst-case scenario of a torn ACL, but it is still a combination of injuries that will land Los Angeles' top playmaker on the shelf for at least four weeks.

It is the second time this season that Nacua will miss time due to an injury, the first coming in the early part of the season when he was dealing with a groin injury.

All-Pro WR Puka Nacua suffered a knee injury on the Rams’ final offensive snap today, and will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the injury, per @MikeGarafolo and me. The team does not believe he suffered a torn ACL, but the imaging Monday will tell more. pic.twitter.com/S264w2Fe0A
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 8, 2026

Rams WR Puka Nacua is likely to be placed injured reserve due to MCL and PCL sprains, per HC Sean McVay. pic.twitter.com/ONNnk78zbt
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 9, 2026

Where will the Rams find offense?

Los Angeles now has its top two receivers, Nacua and Adams, on injured reserve, and they've accounted for a good bit of the offense this season.

Of the 2,374 passing yards for quarterback Matthew Stafford, Nacua and Adams have combined for 1,195 (50.3%) of those yards. They've also combined for eight of the team's 16 receiving touchdowns this season, also a 50% clip.

Whether it be an internal target or exploring the trade market, the Rams are certainly going to need help at receiver, especially considering they have the fifth-hardest remaining schedule in the NFL.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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