The Los Angeles Rams not only have to cope with their first defeat of the season in the league table, but also have to do without the loss of an important offensive player for at least the next four games.

Puka Nacua, who broke out in his rookie season with the Rams last year, was placed on the injured list after suffering a knee injury in the 26-20 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 1.

Head coach Sean McVay announced this on Monday and suffered a strained posterior cruciate ligament, which the team does not want to put to the test at the start of the season.

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) runs away from Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) during the second half of a 2024 NFC wild card game at Ford Field. (David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports)

Nacua was injured midway through the second quarterback play while attempting to catch a ball. He limped off the field and went to the blue medical tent on the sideline. He eventually returned to the game, but it didn’t last long.

Nacua eventually had to be carted to the dressing room, where he was out for the rest of the game.

This PCL sprain is an aggravation of the initial injury he sustained during a joint practice against the Los Angeles Chargers on August 4. Nacua missed some time in training camp but returned on August 26 to the delight of his team and fans.

LIONS ACHIEVE EXCITING OVERTIME WIN AGAINST RAMS AFTER PERFECT PLAY BY JAMESON WILLIAMS

However, he will be missing from the field for the next few weeks as McVay has to consider other plans for quarterback Matthew Stafford and the offense.

“You can see he’s an impact player,” McVay said of Nacua, via ESPN. “He catches four passes, he has four catches for almost 50 yards. He has a jet sweep, he does things in the run game. He’s a factor. He’s just one of those guys that just makes a difference. And so it’s unfortunate for him, and more importantly, I’m disappointed for the person.”

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) runs after a catch during the second half of a 2024 NFC wild card game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. (David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports)

The Rams were already battling injury problems before Week 1, as right tackle Rob Havenstein is dealing with an ankle injury while left tackle Alaric Jackson is suspended for the first two games of the season. Then Joe Noteboom, who filled in for Jackson, suffered a high ankle sprain in the loss and will likely miss some time.

It’s no secret now where Stafford will pass the ball when Nacua is out, as Cooper Kupp had 21 passes in a game where the Rams led late but a Lions field goal forced overtime. Detroit won the coin toss and stormed down the field, with a David Montgomery touchdown sealing the win.

Kupp finished the game with 14 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown.

In addition to Nacua, left guard Steve Avila is also dealing with a strained medial ligament on the Rams’ offensive line, which will likely land him on the injured list, while right guard Kevin Dotson was seen with a boot on his left foot after the game.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) is carted off the field after sustaining an injury in the first half against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. (Lon Horwedel-Images)

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The Rams will face Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2.

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