Rams beat Commanders, but Puka Nacua suffers knee

LANDOVER, Md. — Count Puka Nacua among the legion of Rams gamers who suffered accidents this season.

Nacua was sidelined for two video games because of a hip injury and he has produced at an All-Pro degree despite a calf downside.

But Nacua stays the Rams’ largest weapon — with edge rusher Myles Garrett making his own case for consideration.

On Sunday, Nacua caught 14 passes for a season-high 150 yards and a landing and Garrett recorded three sacks as the Rams defeated the Washington Commanders 20-13 at Northwest Stadium.

“We needed all 14 of those catches,” said coach Sean McVay, whose crew improved to 5-4.

It wasn’t all good news: After the Rams left the stadium, ESPN reported that Nacua sustained a knee injury on the ultimate play and would have an MRI scan Monday. An individual with data of the scenario, who requested anonymity because the take a look at had not been finished, confirmed the report.

The Rams have received three consecutive video games heading in next Sunday’s sport against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz. The Rams will then have what quantities to a mini-bye before they play the Green Bay Packers the evening before Thanksgiving at SoFi Stadium.

By then, the Rams purpose to have defensive lineman Kobie Turner activated from injured reserve. Receiver Davante Adams also could be eligible to return, though McVay initially said last month that Adams may very well be sidelined as many as 10 weeks.

It stays to be seen how a lot McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford will probably be in a position to rely on Nacua, who was focused 19 occasions against the Commanders and also rushed for 20 yards despite being examined for a concussion after touchdown onerous while making an attempt to catch a long go. It was the third time this season that Nacua amassed at least 125 yards receiving.

Nacua shook off a couple of drops to make big performs, particularly on essential fourth downs and on a seven-yard landing catch early in the fourth quarter.

“Got to come down with the easy ones,” Nacua said. “Shout out to Matthew, still being able to trust me.”

Stafford accomplished 26 of 43 passes for 228 yards and a landing, with an interception.

“Great like he always is,” Stafford said of Nacua. “He gave us a spark.”

Garrett performed for the first time since present process knee surgical procedure after the Rams’ season-opening defeat by the San Francisco 49ers in Australia.

The reigning NFL defensive participant of the 12 months made three tackles, including a second-quarter strip sack that set up a Rams subject aim and a late fourth-quarter sack that stifled the Commanders’ ultimate alternative. He also was called for two pre-snap penalties.

“Felt rusty as hell the first half and had a couple penalties,” Garrett said. “But I knew I was going to get it back for us.”

Said McVay: “He was at his best when his best was required.”

Lineman Aaron Donald, a three-time NFL defensive participant of the 12 months, made one sort out in his first sport enjoying alongside Garrett.

“He got a three piece!” Donald said. “It was good to have him out there. It was good to be out there working with him. Gotta just keep it going.”

The Rams had been without beginning cornerbacks Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie, but Josh Wallace and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. helped restrict the Commanders to one landing and two subject targets.

The victory was particularly candy for Forbes.

The Commanders selected him with the sixteenth decide in the 2023 draft but launched him eight video games into his second season. The Rams claimed Forbes on waivers and he has developed into a useful rotational participant.

“Definitely some emotion going on,” said Forbes, who made six tackles and broke up three passes.

Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels accomplished 24 of 35 passes for 274 yards, including a landing to former Rams receiver Van Jefferson.

But that was not enough against a protection that confirmed once again that it may possibly carry the Rams when the offense struggles.

After Nacua gave the Rams a 20-13 lead, Garrett bought his third sack just before the two-minute warning, stifling a Commanders comeback.

But the Rams couldn’t run out the clock.

The Commanders bought the ball with 52 seconds left at their nine-yard line and moved to the Rams’ 31. On the ultimate play, Daniels accomplished a go, but the Commanders had been unable to attain the end zone.

Garrett indicated the go rush could be even better.

“There were some great rushes that didn’t exactly get there, but we’re still proud of, and we’ll continue to drill down on the practice field,” he said. “But we’re making our way.”

With Garrett now serving to lead it.