The Los Angeles Rams have placed wide receiver Puka Nacua on injured reserve and made two moves to bolster their receiving depth. The team announced that wide receiver Brennan Presley was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster, while wide receiver Tyler Scott was signed to the practice squad.
Head coach Sean McVay said on November 11 that Nacua would miss an extended period but that the team did not initially plan to place him on injured reserve. He explained that the decision involved roster considerations and did not reflect any new information about Nacua’s condition. Because he is now on injured reserve, Nacua must miss at least four games.
The move drew attention amid speculation that Nacua might be able to return sooner. McVay also noted the importance of managing the team’s available injured-reserve return designations. NFL teams can bring back eight players from injured reserve during the regular season. Nacua could become the Rams’ seventh return, leaving one spot available. The Rams have already used three designations on defensive end Myles Garrett, rookie tackle Keagen Trost and running back Ronnie Rivers. Tight end Terrance Ferguson is expected to be the fourth player to return after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Defensive end Kobie Turner and wide receiver Davante Adams are also expected to return, which would make Nacua the seventh. Teams receive two additional return designations if they reach the postseason. Nacua’s earliest possible return is Week 15, when the Rams are scheduled to host the Dallas Cowboys.
## Rams Turn to Brennan Presley and Tyler Scott
Presley entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. His promotion to the active roster from the practice squad fills the roster spot opened by Nacua’s placement on injured reserve. Scott, a former Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders and Seattle Seahawks receiver, recently worked out for the Rams before joining their practice squad.
The Rams can make further roster changes at any time, but promoting Presley and signing Scott gives the team additional receiving depth for now.
Nacua’s injury also comes with a longer-term contract consideration. Spotrac’s Mike Ginnitti noted that Nacua could be on track for a franchise tag worth around $30 million next February.
