The Los Angeles Rams unexpectedly announced on Thursday that wide receiver Puka Nacua was placed on injured reserve, according to the Los Angeles Rams.
This decision came just one day after head coach Sean McVay told reporters the team would not move Nacua to the reserve list due to roster semantics, as noted by the Rams’ previous reporting.
During a Friday press conference, McVay clarified that the shift was motivated by a need for flexibility, as reported by the Yahoo Sports coverage.
“We needed a roster spot,” McVay explained regarding the change in strategy.
He noted that the team did not initially require the move, but evolving circumstances necessitated the adjustment, per the Yahoo Sports report.
The roster move allowed the Rams to promote Brennan Presley from the practice squad to the active roster, while also signing Tyler Scott to the practice squad, according to Rams Wire.
McVay confirmed that Nacua has begun his rehabilitation process and remains in good spirits, as documented by Yahoo Sports.
Under NFL rules, Nacua is ineligible to return to the field until Week 15, though McVay indicated that this timeline aligns with the team’s original target for his recovery, per Rams Wire.
The star receiver is now set to miss upcoming matchups against the Cardinals, Packers, Chiefs, and 49ers, as stated by the team-affiliated outlet.
Nacua could potentially return to competition in Week 15 when the Rams face the Cowboys, according to the Yahoo Sports report.