Although the Los Angeles Rams lost 26-20 to the Detroit Lions in an overtime Sunday night thriller, their latest news provides a silver lining. Star wide receiver Puka Nacua looks to have avoided a long-term injury after getting carted off the field.

However, Nacua is still going through testing, via ESPN's Adam Schefter.

“Rams WR Puka Nacua aggravated his summer knee injury Sunday night vs. the Lions and, while he still is going through additional testing, he is expected to be considered week to week, per sources,” Schefter reported.

Hours later, Rams coach Sean McVay mentioned that Nacua is headed for Injured Reserve, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

“Rams HC Sean McVay told reporters that Puka Nacua will be an injured-reserve candidate,” Schefter reported. “If is placed on IR, it would sideline him a minimum of four weeks.”

Nacua hauled in four catches for 35 yards before exiting. The second-year playmaker was visibly upset as he got carted off the field.

‘Rams WR Puka Nacua’s PCL injury will land him on IR, Sean McVay clarifies, so he’ll miss at least four games. It’s a new, more significant injury to the same ligament he’d previously injured. It sounds like the hope is Puka Nacua will return around the time he’s eligible to come off IR, though the #Rams want to be cautious on this one.'

Related Los Angeles Rams NewsArticle continues below
Rams receiver Puka Nacua, whose girlfriend posted a pregnancy reveal on social media, high-fiving fans after beating the Vikings in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
Rams’ Puka Nacua, girlfriend pull off heartwarming pregnancy reveal
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who got Hall of Fame backing from teammate Quentin Lake, calling a play against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round.
Rams’ Matthew Stafford gets definitive Hall of Fame backing from teammate
Dec 12, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Rams’ Matthew Stafford draws unique superhero comparison from Jared Verse

 

Puka Nacua's absence highlighted his importance to the Rams

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) is carted off the field after being injured against the Detroit Lions in the first half at Ford Field.
Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

While Los Angeles was still able to move the ball after Nacua left the game, it had to turn to a largely unproven group of receivers outside of fellow star Cooper Kupp. Players like Tyler Johnson, Colby Parkinson, and Demarcus Robinson all pulled in several targets, none of whom are prominent NFL names.

Kupp, who carried the Rams' passing attack, finished with 14 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown on 21 targets. While this is great for the 31-year-old's fantasy owners, it's not a good sign if the team has to depend on him for that level of production consistently while Nacua heals. Los Angeles' rushing attack produced just 83 yards on 23 carries (3.6 yards a tote), so it could use more help in that regard.

Kupp, Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, and head coach Sean McVay should be able to weather the storm in the meantime. However, players like Johnson will have to continue being productive for the club to not fall too far behind in the playoff race. The Rams face the Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears in the next three weeks.