newsweek
The Los Angeles Rams improved to 5-4 on the season with a 20-13 win against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, marking the first time this year the team has been above .500. The game was a closely contested and mistake-filled affair, with the score tied at 13 late in the third quarter. Quarterback Matthew Stafford connected with wide receiver Puka Nacua on a 7-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to put the Rams ahead, and the defense held Washington out of the end zone to seal the victory. Los Angeles' defense recorded four sacks and four forced fumbles, two of which the Commanders recovered.
However, the win may have come at a cost, as Nacua suffered a knee injury on the Rams' final offensive play, a five-yard run with 1:44 remaining. According to NFL insiders Mike Garafolo and Adam Schefter, Nacua will undergo an MRI on Monday. The team does not believe he tore his ACL, but the imaging will determine the severity of the injury.
Before the injury, Nacua delivered another huge performance, catching 14 of 19 targets for 150 yards and a touchdown, while also adding 20 rushing yards on two carries. He accounted for well over half of the team's total receiving yards, and it marked his third game this season with 125 yards or more. Nacua is the driving force behind the Rams' offense, so losing him would be a significant blow, especially with Davante Adams already sidelined by a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out for six to 10 weeks. Among the other receivers on Sunday, only Tutu Atwell and Konata Mumpfield caught passes, combining for four receptions for 36 yards on seven targets. Nacua also remains without a contract extension, adding another layer of intrigue to the situation.
Key Analysis
The Rams' upcoming schedule could provide some relief. They visit the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday before their bye week, after which they will host the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 25 and the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 3. Adams could return in time for the Packers game, and there is a chance Nacua may only miss a brief period, especially with the Week 11 bye offering extra recovery time if needed. Monday's MRI should clarify what to expect and whether the Rams might feel compelled to add more firepower before Tuesday's trade deadline.
Originally reported by newsweek.