Los Angeles Rams Injury Update: Star WR Puka Nacua Has Knee Swelling
The Los Angeles Rams suffered a 43-20 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday inside AT&T Stadium but may have lost more than the game itself.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford's status is uncertain following a UCL sprain to his right thumb - and the injury woes extend far beyond him.
Standout rookie receiver Puka Nacua, who ranks second in the NFL in targets (89) and receptions (61) and third in receiving yards (795), was also injured against Dallas.
After the game, Nacua and coach Sean McVay discussed the Cowboys' physicality, which the former BYU standout also embodies ... but he ultimately left Sunday's game with an injury situation to monitor in the coming days.
"Puka had some knee swelling, but he is a competitor," McVay said. "The physical style of play that he has, we'll probably be smart with him on Wednesday."
Puka Nacua has been one of the Los Angeles Rams' biggest bright spots this season.
Trevor Ruszkowski/USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles will take the practice field for the first time this week Wednesday, as McVay referenced, and defensive back Cobie Durant is expected to be in a similar situation to Nacua - though his status for Sunday appears encouraging.
“Cobie got a stinger in his neck," McVay said. "He'll probably be just limited when we return on Wednesday, but he should be okay."
But wait, there's more.
McVay added Los Angeles will continue to monitor right tackle Rob Havenstein's calf after he was forced to miss the game against Dallas. Havenstein will be day-to-day throughout the week of practice.
The Rams are also tracking receiver Austin Trammell, who hurt his hip on a punt return, and punter Ethan Evans, who sprained an ankle on one of the Cowboys' punt returns.
Much of the attention will go to Stafford, who's expected to be replaced by Brett Rypien with former Rams signal caller John Wolford potentially returning to a backup role.
That said, the progression of both special teams players and the other three starters is also critical as Los Angeles seeks to get back in the win column following a pair of losses.
The Rams, with hopes of having a healthy roster, will kick off at 10 a.m. PST Sunday against the Green Bay Packers inside Lambeau Field.
