Puka Nacua’s high ankle sprain could keep him out of the Rams’ game against the Jaguars
BALTIMORE — Star receiver Pukka Nacua sprained his ankle during the Rams’ win over the Baltimore Ravens, and his status for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London is uncertain, coach Sean McVay said Monday.
McVay said the test results encouraged the Rams.
“Whether that means he’s able to play like the guy we’re used to seeing on Sunday, it’s going to be a weekly process for us,” McVay said during a video conference with reporters, adding: “There’s nothing in the scan that looks like it’s going to be long-term. The uncertainty this week is a real thing.”
After the Rams play the Jaguars, they will have a week off before playing the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 2 at SOF Stadium. But McVeigh said the weekend “had nothing to do” with how they handled the Nakoa situation.
“It will be good for Boca and for our football team, I know he will do everything he can to try and get ready to go for this week, and we have to have a plan for him and if he’s not able to go,” McVay said.
The Rams are staying in Baltimore and will practice at Oriole Park at Camden Yards before they leave for London on Friday.
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua and Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey go up to catch a pass during the first half on Sunday. Nakoa sprained his ankle while playing.
(Stephanie Scarbrough/Associated Press)
Nacua caught two passes for 28 yards in the Rams’ 17-3 win over the Ravens before being injured in the second quarter.
Nacua and Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey jumped for a pass thrown by Matthew Stafford in the end zone, and both fell hard to the turf. Nakoa got up, took a few steps and then landed on the ground again as the team’s trainers supervised him. He was helped to the locker room, assessed and then returned to the bench. Nakoa played in the second half but did not score.
Nacua still leads the league with 54 points. His 616 receiving yards ranked second behind Seattle’s Jackson Smith-Njigba’s 696.
Nacua has caught 10 or more passes in three games this season, accumulating more than 100 yards receiving twice, including a 13-catch, 170-yard performance against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3.
Sophomore pro Jordan Whittington started in Nacua’s place, catching three passes for 23 yards.
Receiver Tutu Atwell did not play against the Ravens due to a hamstring injury but McVay said he “should be good” to play against the Jaguars.