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Puka Nacua injury update: Sean McVay gives latest on Rams star WR

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones10/12/25brianjones_93
Puka Nacua
Oct 12, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) is helped off the field by trainers during the second quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay just gave an injury update on wide receiver Puka Nacua after the team’s 17-3 win over the Baltimore Ravens. McVay told reporters that Nacua suffered an ankle injury, and he’s not sure if the star receiver will be available for the upcoming game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Puka Nacua’s injury occurred in the second quarter on Sunday. After an incomplete pass intended for him in the second quarter, Nacua was slow getting up in the end zone. He eventually walked off the field with assistance and went to the tunnel. Nacua returned to the game in the third quarter and finished with two receptions for 28 yards.

Entering Week 6 of the 2025 season, Nacua was leading the NFL in receptions (52) and receiving yards (588). Last week, Nacua discussed being on the same page as Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford every week.

Why Puka Nacua is hard to defend

“Being in the meeting rooms and having the time to understand what Matthew’s thinking, how our concepts are being installed, where the quarterback’s going and where my opportunities are versus defenses that we’re playing (is how I succeed in various ways),” Nacua said, per the Rams’ official website. “Whether it’s understanding we’re getting our indicators, whether it’s man or zone, and then just going to fundamentals.”

Stafford said Nacua’s versatility makes him tough to defend for opponents. “If you’re a defense and you’re going up against him… you’ve got to defend all the blades of grass,” Stafford explained. “Are we going to hand it to him? Are we going to throw it to him? Is he going to lead block for us in a run play, or is he going to slip out into the flat, catch it, and run for another 15?”

The Rams selected Nacua in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He was selected to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro Second Team during his rookie season after catching 105 passes for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns. Last year, the former BYU star played in just 11 games, notching 79 receptions for 990 yards and three TDs.