Rams’ Sean McVay regrets the play call that led to Puka Nakoa’s injury

Puka Nacua returned to the Rams lineup in spectacular fashion, catching a touchdown pass, collecting nearly 100 receiving yards and picking up key yardage on a fourth-down jet sweep during a victory over the New Orleans Saints.

But that hasty play, which ended in a slam dunk, came at a cost.

On Monday, Nacua was scheduled to have an examination of his injured ribs, although coach Sean McVay said during a video conference with reporters, “I feel optimistic…in terms of where we’re potentially going.”

The Rams play the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.

In the third quarter against the Saints, Nacua lined up on the right sideline, took a handoff from quarterback Matthew Stafford and then ran in from the left edge for a three-yard gain that ended in a tackle by 248-pound linebacker Demario Davis. The play set up the touchdown, but Nacua left the game.

“Man, that guy No. 56 on the other side, we were getting close to the point of contact and he definitely weighs heavier than me,” Nacua said after the game with a laugh. “But we got first place and that’s what’s important.”

McVay said Monday he felt “sick” about leaving Nacua vulnerable to injury due to the play-calling.

“I’m punishing myself by putting him in that place where he got that bullet in the ribs,” McVay said.

Nacua’s physical playing style makes him vulnerable to injuries. He suffered an ankle injury against the Baltimore Ravens on October 12 that forced him to sit out against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on October 19.

Nacua recovered during the Rams’ off week and caught seven passes against the Saints.

“I hope he’s OK,” McVay said.

However, Nacua’s condition declined Monday as McVay, general manager Les Snead and the coaching staff worked to find solutions to the Rams’ kicking woes.

Against the Saints, Joshua Carty missed a 39-yard field goal and an extra point as season-long problems with the unit resurfaced.

Carty made 10 of 15 field goal attempts and 23 of 26 extra point attempts.

“I stand by the faith and trust I have in Josh,” McVay said Monday. “But we are evaluating all the parts where we are going with this process.”

McVay said he was “impressed” and “pleased” with the work special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn did to solve the problems, and noted that there will be unspecified decisions and corresponding moves in the next few days.

McVay has dealt with kicking issues before. In 2023, the Rams struggled with kickers Brett Maher and Lukas Havrycic. But McVay later said those problems stemmed more from the long-range situations in which he placed kicks.

The problems this season have come from kicks from 45 yards or closer and extra point attempts.

“There’s no one universal issue,” McVeigh said.

When asked if the Rams would work on another target, McVay said: “There’s a lot of things we’ll be looking at.”

The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday.

McVay indicated that the Rams’ trade last week for cornerback Roger McCreary would be their only move.

But he added: “What you never say is never said.”