Rams WR Puka Nacua has PCL sprain, headed to IR

Field Level Media|published: 09/09/2024, 8:26pm EDT

Sep 8, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) is carted off the field after being injured against the Detroit Lions in the first half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua suffered a PCL sprain in his right knee Sunday night and will be placed on injured reserve, coach Sean McVay told reporters Monday.

McVay confirmed that Nacua re-aggravated a knee injury originally suffered during joint practices with the Los Angeles Chargers in August.

Nacua appeared to suffer the injury on a 6-yard catch with 6:36 left in the second quarter of the Rams' 26-20 loss at the Detroit Lions. He was originally listed as questionable but returned to the game just before halftime.

However, Nacua was later carted to the locker room at halftime and ruled out. He had four catches for 35 yards before his night was over.

In 17 starts last season, Nacua set rookie records with 105 receptions for 1,486 yards. He hauled in six touchdowns.

Rams guard Steve Avila suffered an MCL sprain during the game and is also an IR candidate, according to McVay. Veteran offensive tackle Joe Noteboom (high ankle sprain) will miss at least a few weeks, and guard Kevin Dotson (lateral ankle sprain) is considered day-to-day.

--Field Level Media