Rams' Puka Nacua Undergoing MRI to Determine Severity of Knee Injury

UPDATE: 

Head coach Sean McVay confirmed Puka Nacua suffered an MCL-PCL sprain and turf toe, and is likely heading to IR.

The Los Angeles Rams got a big win on Sunday against the Washington Commanders, but it came at a high cost. The team is already facing multiple significant injuries, and now they may be faced with another to wide receiver Puka Nacua.

Near the end of the game, Nacua was tackled in what appeared to be a situation where his right knee was hyperextended. NFL insider Ian Rapoport stated that the Rams receiver is set to undergo, or has already undergone, an MRI to determine the severity of the injury.

Nacua had a career day, putting up 150 receiving yards and one touchdown on 14 receptions. He also tacked on two rushing carries for 20 yards.

The Rams have been hit with major injuries all season, and losing Nacua will be a huge blow to the offense. The young pass catcher is arguably one of the biggest reasons the team has been successful over the past three weeks. 

Nacua has continually extended drives with his elite catching ability, including scores like on Sunday when he toe-tipped his way to a score in the corner of the endzone. 

The Rams have yet to confirm what the injury is and what the result of the MRI is, but Rapoport confirmed this on Monday.

A best-case scenario for the Rams is that Nacua may only miss one week as he allows his knee to heal. Rapoport confirmed the injury is not believed to be a torn ACL, but it still could be something significant.

The worst-case scenario for Los Angeles is that Nacua will be out for multiple weeks or have to be placed on IR due to his knee. In the video, the Rams receiver was seen with a brace on his right knee and limping as he waved to fans or someone at the end of the game.

Los Angeles picked up the big win against the Commanders due to Nacua and also Myles Garrett exploding with three sacks in his own injury return.

Despite having lost Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, among other players, the Rams pulled off their third consecutive win. This pushed the team to 5-4 this season, though they remain in third place in the NFC West. 

The Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers are next on the list, and the Rams will need to conitnue to find ways to win if they want to make a move to secure the NFC West crown, or ensure they are a playoff contender, at the very least.