Puka Nacua returned to the Rams’ lineup in spectacular trend, catching a landing go, amassing practically 100 yards receiving and choosing up a key yardage on a fourth-down jet sweep throughout a victory over the New Orleans Saints.
However that dashing play, which ended with a crushing hit, got here with a price.
On Monday, Nacua was scheduled to have a scan of his injured ribs, although coach Sean McVay mentioned throughout a videoconference with reporters that “I feel optimistic … in regard to where we’re potentially heading.”
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Gary Klein breaks down what went proper for the Rams in a 34-10 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
The Rams play the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Within the third quarter in opposition to the Saints, Nacua lined up on the best facet, took a handoff from quarterback Matthew Stafford after which ran off the left edge for a three-yard acquire that ended with a deal with by 248-pound linebacker Demario Davis. The play arrange a landing, however Nacua left the sport.
“Man, that guy No. 56 on the other side, we were coming up on the contact point and he definitely weighs heavier than I do,” Nacua mentioned after the sport, chuckling. “But we got the first down and that’s what matters.”
McVay on Monday mentioned he felt “sick” about leaving Nacua vulnerable to harm due to the play name.
“I’m kicking myself about putting him in that spot where he sustained that shot to the ribs,” McVay mentioned.
Nacua’s bodily enjoying model leaves him vulnerable to accidents. He sustained an ankle harm in opposition to the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 12 that compelled him to sit down out in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Oct. 19.
Nacua recovered through the Rams off week and caught seven passes in opposition to the Saints.
“I’m hopeful that he’ll be all right,” McVay mentioned.
Nacua’s situation, nonetheless, took a backseat Monday as McVay, normal supervisor Les Snead and the teaching workers labored to search out options to the Rams’ kicking woes.
In opposition to the Saints, Joshua Karty missed a 39-yard area aim and an extra-point as season-long issues with the unit resurfaced.
Karty has made 10 of 15 field-goal makes an attempt and 23 of 26 extra-point makes an attempt.
Rams kicker Joshua Karty stands for the nationwide anthem earlier than a recreation in opposition to the 49ers on Oct. 2.
(Kyusung Gong / Related Press)
“I hold true to the belief and confidence I have in Josh,” McVay mentioned Monday. “But we’re evaluating all parts of where we go with this operation.”
McVay mentioned he was “impressed” and “pleased” by the work particular groups coordinator Chase Blackburn has performed to work by way of the issues, and he indicated that there can be unspecified choices and corresponding strikes within the subsequent few days.
McVay has handled kicking points earlier than. In 2023, the Rams struggled with kickers Brett Maher and Lucas Havrisik. However McVay mentioned looking back that these issues stemmed extra from the long-range conditions he put the kickers in.
The issues this season have come on kicks from 45-yards or nearer and on extra-point makes an attempt.
“There’s not one all-encompassing issue,” McVay mentioned.
When requested if the Rams would work out one other kicker, McVay mentioned, “there’s a lot of things that we’re going to look into.”
The NFL commerce deadline is Tuesday.
McVay indicated that the Rams commerce final week for cornerback Roger McCreary can be their solely transfer.
However, he added, “What you never say is never.”
