Did Sean McVay make the wrong call? Puka Nacua’s injury leaves Los Angeles Rams coach regretting decision (Image via Getty: Puka Nacua)
The Los Angeles Rams won 20-13 on November 8, 2026, but Puka Nacua left the game with a right knee injury after taking a hard hit on a late jet sweep. He finished the game with 14 catches for 150 yards and a touchdown on 19 targets. He also added 20 rushing yards on two carries.
Recently, McVay revealed that Nacua had suffered sprains to his medial collateral ligament (MCL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in his right knee, along with turf toe.
“I’m kicking myself about those kinds of things,” McVay said. “I’d be lying to you if I said I haven’t questioned the decision-making on that last play over and over in my head. McVay said he felt “tremendous responsibility” for the decision and stressed that the Rams must find ways to protect their players while still using their abilities to help the team. The coach also said the receiver would likely land on injured reserve. He said he was disappointed to see Nacua and other players dealing with injuries, but the team would have to adjust and move forward.
Sean McVay has a reason to question his final offensive call against the Washington Commanders. The Rams coach later admitted he was unhappy with the decision. His concern was not just the injury itself, but whether he could have chosen a safer way to close out the game. He also wondered if another play could have helped Los Angeles get the first down and end the game without putting Nacua in that position. There was a reason the call caught his attention. Nacua had already done more than enough on offense. His final touch, however, came on the play that left him injured. The injury turned out to be more serious than an initial sideline scare. McVay also expressed sympathy for his receiver during Monday’s press conference.