Rams traded for defender Roger McCrearystar receiver Puka Nacua He is expected to return for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints and wide receiver. Tutu Atwell will spend at least four games on injured reserve.
All of these moves were called by the Rams or discussed by the coach. Sean McVay on Monday when the Rams returned from the day off.
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.
McCreery, a second-round draft pick in 2022 out of Auburn, has three interceptions in his career, including one this season. He's expected to add depth to a defensive back group that lost Akello Witherspoon early in the season to a broken collarbone. Witherspoon, who is self-employed, was expected to miss 12 weeks.
McVay said veteran Darius Williams also suffered a shoulder injury during the Rams' win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 19 in London.
That leaves McCreary, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, to bolster a position group that includes Kobe Durant and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. Safety Quentin Lake played as a slot cornerback and hybrid linebacker.
The Rams played McCreary and the Titans in Week 2.
“We wanted to add a little depth,” McVay said, according to a transcript of a video conference with reporters. “He was a guy we respected when we played against him earlier this year.”
Nacua did not play against the Jaguars because of a high ankle sprain he suffered during the Oct. 12 win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua catches a pass against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 12.
(Terrence Williams/Associated Press)
McVay said he expects 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 on Wednesday and expect him to play this week, barring any setbacks,” McVay said.
Atwell, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract before this season, played just 10 snaps against the Jaguars after sitting out against the Ravens with a hamstring injury. He has four catches for 164 yards, including an 88-yard touchdown.
McVay said shooting guard Rob Havenstein is also expected to return this week from an ankle injury that sidelined him for three games.
The Rams are 5-2 heading into their game against the Saints (1-7) at Sophie Stadium.
