The Los Angeles Rams did not make a big move at the 2026 NFL trade deadline. Apparently the Rams did kick the tires on Ladd McConkey, but ultimately didn't bring in any outside talent. Will the Rams be able to survive with Puka Nacua potentially headed to injured reserve?
ESPN's Dan Graziano weighed in on the situation in LA after the deadline. He explained that Puka may not be headed to injured reserve after all.
“I found it interesting that the Rams placed Whittington on injured reserve Tuesday but did not do the same with Nacua,” Graziano wrote. “Rams coach Sean McVay said Monday that Nacua was likely to land on injured reserve because of knee and toe injuries, but so far he has not. If the Rams put him on IR, the soonest he could return is Week 15 against the Cowboys.”
The Rams have their bye week coming up in Week 11. Remember, being placed on injured reserve means a player must miss the next four games. That is very different from missing four weeks, especially with LA's bye week coming just around the corner.
LA is already without Davante Adams, who ruptured his hamstring back in Week 6. That puts a lot of pressure on Nacua to come back soon to help rescue LA's season.
If there is a silver lining, it's that Puka seemingly did not sustain a season-ending injury. It's just a matter of when he'll be able to return at full strength.
“Speaking to people close to this situation on Monday evening, they were very adamant that Nacua's injury isn't season-ending and that they hope to get him back around that Week 14, Week 15 time,” Graziano added.
It will be fascinating to see whether or not LA puts Puka on injured reserve in the coming days. If they don't, it could be a good sign that he's on track with his recovery.
In the meantime, the Rams must prepare for a Week 10 road game against the Cardinals.