Rams acquire cornerback Roger McCreary in trade with Titans

The Rams traded for cornerback Roger McCreary, star receiver Puka Nacua is expected to return for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints and receiver Tutu Atwell will spend at least four games on injured reserve.

All of these moves were announced by the Rams or discussed by coach Sean McVay on Monday as the Rams returned from a bye week.

With the NFL trade deadline approaching next week, the Rams acquired McCreary, 25, and a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick.

McCreary, a 2022 second-round pick of Auburn, has three career interceptions, including one this season. He should provide depth to a group of cornerbacks that lost Ahkello Witherspoon early in the season to a broken collarbone. Witherspoon, who is doing individual work, was expected to be out for 12 weeks.

McVay said veteran Darious Williams also suffered a shoulder injury during the Rams’ Oct. 19 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.

So McCreary, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, could bolster a position group that includes Cobie Durant and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. Safety Quentin Lake has played as a hybrid cornerback and linebacker.

The Rams played McCreary and the Titans in week two.

“We were looking to be able to add some depth,” McVay said, according to a transcript of a video conference with reporters. “He was a guy we respected after playing against him earlier this year.”

Nacua did not play against the Jaguars due to a sprained ankle he suffered in the Oct. 12 win over the Baltimore Ravens.

Rams receiver Puka Nacua catches a pass against the Baltimore Ravens on October 12.

(Terrance Williams/Associated Press)

McVay said he expected Nacua to practice this week and play against the Saints.

Nacua ranks fourth in the NFL with 616 receiving yards.

“We expect him to be back Wednesday and we expect him to play this week unless there are any setbacks,” McVay said.

Atwell, who signed a one-year contract worth $10 million before this season, played just 10 snaps against the Jaguars after sitting out against the Ravens with a hamstring injury. He made four catches for 164 yards, including an 88-yard touchdown.

McVay said offensive tackle Rob Havenstein is also expected to return this week after an ankle injury that kept him sidelined for three games.

The Rams are 5-2 heading into their game against the Saints (1-7) at SoFi Stadium.