McVay says Nacua likely headed to injured reserve after knee and toe injuries

November 10 evening update: Whittington placed on IR

The Rams placed Jordan Whittington on injured reserve and signed receiver Xavier Smith on Tuesday, according to their November 10 transaction entry. The move removes another receiving option from the group described in the earlier report below.

The same register still did not list a completed Puka Nacua move to IR at the evening check. McVay’s expectation that Nacua will go on injured reserve remains an anticipated decision. Whittington’s separate transaction does not establish Nacua’s roster status.

Earlier report: McVay expects a Nacua absence

Puka Nacua will likely go on injured reserve after suffering MCL and PCL sprains and turf toe in Sunday’s win over Washington, Rams coach Sean McVay said Monday. McVay described a likely absence of at least a month, while declining to give a firm return date.

The Rams’ official injury update identifies the knee and toe injuries and the coach’s expectation. As of Tuesday’s noon check, the team’s transaction page had not listed a completed Nacua move to IR. The anticipated roster decision remains separate from the injury announcement.

Nacua caught 14 passes for a season-high 150 yards and a touchdown in the Rams’ 20-13 victory. The injury occurred at the end of a jet sweep on Los Angeles’ final offensive play, according to the club’s report. McVay said he had reconsidered the call and felt responsibility for protecting his players.

A large share of the passing game

Across seven games this season, Nacua has 70 receptions for 715 yards and four touchdowns. NFL.com reported that he drew 19 targets against Washington, accounting for 44.2 percent of the team’s targets. In the previous game against the Chargers, his target share was 48 percent.

That concentration explains the immediate football problem. Los Angeles must redistribute an unusually large portion of its passing opportunities, rather than simply replace one receiver’s place in a formation. NFL.com lists Tutu Atwell, Konata Mumpfield, Jordan Whittington and CJ Daniels among the remaining wide receivers, with Davante Adams already on IR.

Other injuries complicate the roster decisions

McVay also said offensive lineman Steve Avila suffered a hamstring strain. The team was not trying to place Avila on IR at that point, he said. Tight end Terrance Ferguson had hurt his hamstring while in his return-to-practice window, complicating a possible addition to the receiving group.

The coach described cornerback Trent McDuffie as making progress with a back injury and expressed hope he could return this week. That was a progress update, not a clearance to play. The Rams’ next roster announcement and practice reports will establish which of these possible returns actually become available.