Rams’ Sean McVay regrets play call that led to Puka Nacua injury
Puka Nacua returned to the Rams’ lineup in spectacular fashion, catching a touchdown pass, amassing nearly 100 yards receiving and picking up key yards on a fourth-down jet sweep in a win over the New Orleans Saints.
But that rushed play, which ended in a crushing blow, came at a cost.
On Monday, Nacua was scheduled to undergo a CT scan of his injured ribs, although coach Sean McVay said in a video conference with reporters, “I feel optimistic … about where we’re potentially headed.”
-
Share via
Gary Klein explains what went well for the Rams in a 34-10 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
The Rams face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
In the third quarter against the Saints, Nacua lined up on the right side, took a handoff from quarterback Matthew Stafford, then ran down the left edge for a three-yard gain that ended with a tackle from 248-pound linebacker Demario Davis. The play allowed a touchdown, but Nacua left the game.
“Man, that No. 56 guy on the other side, we were getting to the point of contact and he definitely weighs more than me,” Nacua said after the game with a laugh. “But we had the first try and that’s what counts.”
McVay said Monday he felt “sick” about leaving Nacua susceptible to injury because of the play calling.
“I blame myself for putting him in that spot where he got hit in the ribs,” McVay said.
Nacua’s physical style of play makes him injury prone. He suffered an ankle injury against the Baltimore Ravens on October 12, which forced him to sit out against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on October 19.
Nacua recovered during the Rams’ bye week and caught seven passes against the Saints.
“I hope he does well,” McVay said.
Nacua’s condition, however, took a back seat Monday as McVay, general manager Les Snead and the coaching staff worked to find solutions to the Rams’ kicking woes.
Against the Saints, Joshua Karty missed a 39-yard field goal and an extra point as season-long issues with the unit resurfaced.
Karty made 10 of 15 field goal attempts and 23 of 26 extra point attempts.
Rams kicker Joshua Karty stands for the national anthem before a game against the 49ers on October 2.
(Kyusung Gong / Associated Press)
“I stand by the belief and trust I have in Josh,” McVay said Monday. “But we are evaluating all aspects of the direction we take with this operation.”
McVay said he was “impressed” and “pleased” with the work special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn did to resolve the issues, and indicated there would be unspecified decisions and corresponding actions in the coming days.
McVay has faced kicking issues before. In 2023, the Rams have struggled with kickers Brett Maher and Lucas Havrisik. But McVay said in retrospect those issues stemmed more from the long-range situations he put kickers in.
The problems this season have come on kicks 45 yards or more and extra point attempts.
“There is no overall problem,” McVay said.
When asked if the Rams would find another kicker, McVay said, “There’s a lot of things we’re going to look at.”
The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday.
McVay said the Rams’ trade last week for cornerback Roger McCreary would be their only decision.
But, he added, “what you never say never is.”
