Puka Nacua was the surprise star of the Los Angeles Rams in his explosive 2023 rookie season. Back on the field for Year 2 on Sunday night, the wide receiver quickly earned more looks from Matthew Stafford against the Detroit Lions, only to exit the prime-time matchup before halftime with a knee injury.
The 23-year-old Nacua was slow to get up after a second-quarter play in Lions territory, then limped off the field just as Stafford also shook off contact of his own. He was then ruled questionable to return, and took the field again with about a minute left to play in the first half. However, after briefly coming back, Nacua left the game again. He was seen sitting on the bench with the Rams medical staff, per The Athletic.
It’s worth noting the receiver also missed time this summer due to a knee injury.
Nacua logged four catches for 35 yards before his exit, leading the Rams in receiving yards at the time of his departure despite fellow starter Cooper Kupp garnering almost twice as many targets.
Besides Kupp, the Rams also have former Baltimore Ravens veteran Demarcus Robinson behind Kupp at wide receiver, as well as reserves Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington.
Nacua led L.A. with 105 catches for 1,486 yards in 2023, setting record marks for a rookie in both categories.
