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By Ellis Williams
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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay is still replaying the final offensive snap of Sunday’s win over the Washington Commanders.
Wide receiver Puka Nacua injured his knee and toe on a late jet sweep in the 20–13 victory. By Monday, McVay was questioning whether a different call could have spared his star receiver.
“I'm kicking myself about those kinds of things,” McVay said Monday while reflecting on the decision.
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McVay explained that he had repeatedly considered whether another play could have produced the first down without exposing Nacua to the hit. He also acknowledged the responsibility of protecting his players while putting them in positions to make the plays his team needs.
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The Rams still had a game to close out. They led by seven points with 1:44 remaining and faced third-and-11 from their own 49. Washington had just used its final timeout.
Nacua took the handoff and gained five yards before Washington defenders Jeremy Reaves and Sonny Styles brought him down. Los Angeles punted, and Washington got the ball back with 52 seconds remaining.
Nacua had already been central to the Rams’ offense. He caught 14 of his 19 targets for 150 yards and a touchdown, adding 20 yards on two carries. His first run had gained 15 yards earlier in the fourth quarter.
McVay said Nacua sustained MCL and PCL sprains and turf toe and was likely headed to injured reserve.
“It's a strong chance that we put him on IR,” McVay said of Nacua’s expected recovery. “So we're thinking it's going to be at least a month.”
Nacua has 70 catches for 715 yards and four touchdowns in seven appearances this season. He has totaled 25 receptions for 230 yards over the past two games.
Los Angeles improved to 5–4 with its third straight win. The Rams already have fellow receiver Davante Adams on injured reserve, making Nacua’s potential absence another significant challenge for an offense trying to sustain that momentum.
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