The Los Angeles Rams placed wide receiver Puka Nacua on injured reserve Thursday after he suffered MCL and PCL sprains in his right knee, along with a turf toe injury, during Sunday's Week 9 victory over the Washington Commanders.
Head coach Sean McVay said Nacua is expected to miss an "extended period of time," with the receiver required to sit out at least four games. His earliest eligible return is December 20 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Nacua has recorded 70 receptions for 715 yards and four touchdowns in seven games this season. His 70 catches are the most by any player through his first seven games of a season in NFL history.
The receiver previously missed Weeks 2 and 3 with a hip injury.
Pro Football Doc Analysis: Puka Nacua's Knee Injury and Recovery Timeline
Before the Rams confirmed Nacua's MCL and PCL sprains, Pro Football Doc Dr. David Chao expressed concern about a possible aggravation of the receiver's previous PCL injury.
Based on video analysis, Dr. Chao believed an ACL tear was unlikely but identified a potential knee contusion, bone bruise or PCL injury. He noted that Nacua had previously missed time with a PCL injury.
Following the injury update, Dr. Chao suggested Nacua could face a longer absence than fellow Rams receiver Davante Adams.
"My money is on Davante Adams returning before Puka, and Adams may not be back until early December," Dr. Chao said.
While the Rams have not announced a specific return date, Dr. Chao's outlook suggests Nacua's recovery could extend beyond his minimum four-game absence.
