Rams acquire Roger McCreary in trade with Titans; Puka Nacua set to return
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The Rams traded for cornerback Roger McCreary, star receiver Puka Nacua is expected to return for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints and receiver Tutu Atwell will spend at least four games on injured reserve.
All of those moves were announced by the Rams or discussed by coach Sean McVay on Monday as the Rams returned from an off week.
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.
Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are the stars of the Rams’ offense, but the team showcased its stunning depth in a 35-7 win over the Jaguars.
McCreary, a 2022 second-round pick from Auburn, has three career interceptions, including one this season. He is expected to provide depth to a cornerback group that lost Ahkello Witherspoon early in the season because of a broken collarbone. Witherspoon, who has been doing some individual work, was expected to be sidelined 12 weeks.
McVay said veteran Darious Williams also suffered a shoulder injury in the Rams’ Oct. 19 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
So McCreary, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, could fortify a position group that includes Cobie Durant and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. Safety Quentin Lake has played as a slot cornerback and hybrid linebacker.
The Rams played against McCreary and the Titans in Week 2.
“We were looking to be able to add some depth,” McVay said, according to a transcript of a videoconference with reporters. “He was a guy that we respected from playing against him earlier this year.”
Nacua sat out against the Jaguars because of a high ankle sprain he suffered during an Oct. 12 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
McVay said he expected that Nacua would practice this week and play against the Saints.
Nacua ranks fourth in NFL with 616 yards receiving.
“We do expect him to be back on Wednesday and expect him to play this week unless there are setbacks,” McVay said.
Atwell, who signed a one-year, $10-million contract before this season, played only 10 snaps against the Jaguars after sitting out against the Ravens because of a hamstring injury. He has four catches for 164 yards, including an 88-yard touchdown.
McVay said offensive tackle Rob Havenstein also is expected to return this week from an ankle injury that has sidelined him for three games.
The Rams are 5-2 heading into their game against the Saints (1-7) at SoFi Stadium.
