The Los Angeles Rams had a Week 8 bye that came at a good time. Not only did it allow for Matthew Stafford and others to get some rest in the middle of the year, but it also gave time for Puka Nacua to recover.
Now, the superstar wide receiver, after missing just a game and a half, is expected to be back for the Rams in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately, it's not all good news in the Rams' wide receiver room coming out of the bye week.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Rams are placing receiver Tutu Atwell on injured reserve. While there's no official reason yet for why Atwell landed on injured reserve, it does open the roster spot needed for the incoming Roger McCreary.
Rams lose Tutu Atwell to injured reserve same week Puka Nacua expects to return
Atwell lands on injured reserve after playing the Rams Week 7 contest in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He didn't record any receptions or targets, and played the fewest snaps he's played all year, with just 10 total on offense, or 14.3 percent of the snaps.
Rams placed WR Tutu Atwell on injured reserve.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 27, 2025
Before this injury, Atwell had been a nice complement to the dynamic duo of Nacua and Devonte Adams. Through six games, he had four receptions on nine targets for 164 yards and one touchdown.
He's averaging 41 yards per reception, and while it's not a sustainable statistic by any means, his number will stick at 41 yards per reception until he can come back later this season.
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The earliest he could return is after four weeks in Week 13, when the Rams face the Carolina Panthers. Atwell will miss key games against the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before he's eligible to return.
But, while his loss is a tough one for the Rams, it fortunately coincides with the Rams' expecting to get Nacua back on the field.
The 26-year-old deep threat will miss some time this season, but could be back later in the year to help a Rams offense close out a potential NFC West title, as the 49ers are banged up and 5-3, and the Seahawks have some question marks on offense.
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