The Los Angeles Rams placed wide receiver Puka Nacua on injured reserve Thursday, creating a new challenge for their playoff push—and a possible factor in the value of a future draft pick owned by the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland holds the Rams’ 2027 first-round selection as part of the trade involving Myles Garrett. If Nacua’s absence causes Los Angeles to lose ground in the standings, the pick could move higher in the draft order. The Rams, however, are 5-4 after three straight wins and have time to keep the selection toward the back of the first round.
Nacua suffered MCL and PCL sprains and turf toe during Sunday’s win over the Washington Commanders. He has 70 receptions for 715 yards and four touchdowns in seven games, including 14 catches for 150 yards and a touchdown against Washington. He was injured on the Rams’ final offensive play.
“He’s going to be out for a good amount of time,” coach Sean McVay said Monday.
## Rams Face Receiver Shortage
The Rams also remain without Davante Adams. Without either established star receiver, quarterback Matthew Stafford will face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday with a depleted group of targets.
Los Angeles explored a possible trade for Cleveland wide receiver Jerry Jeudy before Tuesday’s deadline, but no deal was made. The Rams instead promoted Brennan Presley from the practice squad to the active roster and added Tyler Scott to the practice squad Thursday. They had placed another receiver, Jordan Whittington, on injured reserve Tuesday.
Nacua must miss at least four games, a stretch that includes matchups with Arizona, Green Bay, Kansas City and San Francisco. That leaves limited time for the Rams’ replacement receivers to settle into larger roles.
## Browns Await the Full Return From Garrett Trade
Cleveland received Jared Verse, the Rams’ 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick in the June trade involving Garrett.
Verse was central to the deal. The Browns added a young pass rusher who had earned two Pro Bowl selections and been named Defensive Rookie of the Year, but he has gone nine games without a sack in Cleveland.
Garrett returned from knee surgery Sunday and recorded three sacks and a forced fumble in the Rams’ 20-13 win over Washington, making the immediate comparison more striking.
The draft picks give Cleveland another potential benefit from the trade. An earlier first-round selection could provide more options to add a starter or assemble a package to move up. With eight games remaining on the Rams’ schedule, the value of the pick is still uncertain. Garrett’s return also gives Los Angeles an opportunity to make up for some of its offensive losses.
The Rams will try to extend their winning streak against Arizona on Sunday before their bye week. Cleveland hosts Houston in its Week 10 matchup.
