Rams expect WR Puka Nacua back by mid-season despite knee and toe injuries
ESPN reporter Dan Graziano says the Los Angeles Rams are optimistic that wide receiver Puka Nacua will return around weeks 14-15 and will not miss the remainder of the regular season.
Los Angeles Rams officials indicated that wide receiver Puka Nacua, who suffered a sprained MCL, PCL and turf toe, is unlikely to miss the rest of the regular season. ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that Rams sources were "very adamant that Nacua’s injury isn’t season-ending and that they hope to get him back around that Week 14, Week 15 time." The team may keep him off injured reserve ahead of Week 10.
Nacua has been the most targeted receiver in the league, accounting for about 44 percent of quarterback Matthew Stafford’s first-read passes. With fellow receiver Davante Adams sidelined by a hamstring injury, the Rams are expected to rely more on the running game, giving additional opportunities to running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, as well as tight ends Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson.
An MRI on Monday confirmed the knee injuries and turf toe, but team doctors do not believe the damage is season-ending. If Nacua returns as projected, he will remain a primary option in the Rams’ passing attack for the upcoming weeks.