The Rams made their receiver moves minutes after the trade deadline, and the timing says it all. Los Angeles signed Xavier Smith and placed Jordan Whittington on injured reserve, according to the team's roster announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter, as reported by ClutchPoints NFL.
The bigger issue is Puka Nacua. Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team reported Monday that Nacua is likely headed to injured reserve with a PCL/MCL sprain and turf toe, and that he is out at least four games. Nacua was hurt late in Sunday's 20-13 win over Washington after catching 14 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown. He has 70 catches for 715 yards and four touchdowns in seven appearances this season.
Los Angeles had looked at outside help. Indianapolis receiver Josh Downs went to Kansas City, and Jacksonville kept Brian Thomas Jr. So the Rams stood pat, and the depth they have is what they have.
Smith is the more useful piece in the short term. He has appeared in three games this season without a catch, but he has returned seven punts for 69 yards and seven kickoffs for 144 yards, and in 2025 he averaged 16.8 yards on 18 receptions. Whittington has been mainly a return man, with 316 yards on 12 kickoff returns, and his loss to IR removes that role for now.
The Rams are 5-4 and have won three straight, but they now face Arizona at 1:05 p.m. PT on CBS without their most productive receiver. Smith's value depends on whether the coaching staff trusts him with snaps on offence, not just on special teams.
