Rams Star Recevier Exits Practice Early, Back On Injury Report

Just when the Los Angeles Rams started to get healthy, bad news cropped up from the teams’ Thursday practice. According to the reporting of The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue, wide receiver “Puka Nacua was scheduled for his weekly press conference today, but was not able to do it because he left practice with a knee injury, per a team official. He will be listed as “limited” on the injury report.”

Puka Nacua Leaves Rams Practice Early Due To Injury

NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions
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Nacua had made his return to the field just last Sunday. The Rams lost their star receiver during their Week 1 game against the Detroit Lions. He sprained his PCL in that game and was added to the injured reserve shortly after. He missed five games and the bye week, and returned against the Minnesota Vikings.

He initially injured his knee during a joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers. The injury, which affected his bursa sac, occurred during training camp.

According to further reporting from Ms. Rodrigue, this injury is to the same knee. It is unclear if it is a new injury or another re-aggravation. Nacua was listed as a limited participant on the Rams injury report.

Nacua’s return, along with Cooper Kupp returning from a high ankle sprain, was the spark the team needed on offense to put up 30 points for the first time this season. Before that, they had averaged in the teens. Nacua caught seven of nine targets for 106 yards, including a 21-yard gain. He played 57 percent of the team’s offensive snaps against the Minnesota Vikings. He averaged 87 percent in the 2023 season.

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams
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A reason Nacua dropped to the fifth round of the draft was concerns about his durability. He missed several games in his time in college due to myriad injuries.

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