NFL Rumors: Puka Nacua Expected to Play for Rams vs. Seahawks After Knee Injury Scare

Zach BacharContributor INovember 2, 2024

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An injury in practice reportedly won’t prevent Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua from playing in his second consecutive game.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Rams are “expecting” Nacua to play against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday as he travels with the team.

Dianna Russini @DMRussiniThe Rams are expecting to have WR Puka Nacua on the field tomorrow against Seattle despite his knee injury. According to sources, he’s on the plane with the team.

The 23-year-old returned against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8 after missing five games because of a knee injury. He left practice early on Thursday after injuring the same knee, per Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Nacua didn’t suffer a “major injury” and was “expected to be fine” moving forward, though.

The 23-year-old didn’t participate in practice on Friday and was listed as questionable heading into the clash with Seattle.

Rams head coach Sean McVay previously revealed that there wasn’t anything “structurally” wrong with the wide receiver’s knee and didn’t rule out a Week 9 appearance, per Stu Jackson of the team’s official website.

“I wouldn’t bet against this guy,” McVay said. “My expectation is him doing everything in his power to be ready to roll, and that’s the mindset that we have.”

Nacua immediately made his presence felt in his first game back with the team, helping Los Angeles score a season-high 30 points in a victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The Pro Bowl receiver thrived alongside Cooper Kupp, catching seven passes for 106 yards.

NFL @NFLPuka again!! Over 100 yards so far tonight #MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/CuQkGlWeMU

The former fifth-round pick entered the 2024 season with high expectations, coming off a phenomenal rookie campaign. Nacua amassed 105 catches for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns in 2023, setting new records for total receiving yards and catches among first-year players.

With his expected presence against Seattle, Los Angeles will be attempting to win its third consecutive game. Nacua will be needed to help the Rams overcome a Seahawks secondary allowing 208.1 yards per game through the air.

Kickoff for the NFC West showdown on Sunday is at 4:25 p.m. ET.