Rams give disappointing harm replace on Puka Nacua

As a rookie within the 2023 season, Puka Nacua did wonders for the Los Angeles Rams. He had 1,486 yards receiving and 6 touchdowns after drafted within the fifth spherical out of BYU.

Since that season, groups have been cautious to defend him with extra vigor. With the Rams shedding wage, they weren’t capable of hold Cooper Kupp, which opened up alternatives for Nacua within the slot.

After tearing up the Indianapolis Colts in a 27-20 Week 4 victory to the tune of 13 catches for 170 yards and a landing to provide them their solely loss, Nacua was damage in an Oct. 12 recreation towards the Baltimore Ravens. It was an ankle harm that noticed him return to the sector, however he clearly wasn’t the identical.

With the Rams in London and on the brink of tackle the Jacksonville Jaguars, head coach Sean McVay gave a disappointing harm replace on Nacua’s availability towards among the best groups within the AFC.

Rams rule out Puka Nacua for Jaguars recreation in London

The crew has formally dominated Nacua out for Sunday’s recreation towards Jacksonville, which means that different gamers must step up in his absence. McVay was lately requested how helpful Nacua is to what the Rams do on offense, and he had nothing however good issues to say about him.

“I believe if you discuss concerning the effectivity throughout the alternatives, he is so environment friendly, such a particular rapport,” McVay mentioned. “He is catching the ball so cleanly and so grounded, the place now he would possibly catch a fast route, however then he is getting vertical for a play that might usually go for 3 or 4 yards, after which it is 13, 14 yards.”

So far as when Nacua is perhaps able to go, McVay did supply an opportunistic quote.

“He is making good progress,” McVay mentioned, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “I’m very optimistic about hopefully having him prepared after the bye. I believe it’s going to serve him properly, and I’ve confidence in our different receivers to have the ability to step up.”

That aspect of the offense shall be lacking for Los Angeles towards a really opportunistic Jaguars protection. That signifies that Davante Adams goes to be the highest receiver within the Rams offense on Sunday.

Jacksonville has already created 14 turnovers, which is the perfect within the league. With out Nacua, working again Kyren Williams goes to get extra alternatives to hold the ball on the bottom, though he is had some fumbling points up to now this season.