The Los Angeles Rams arrived in Detroit with hopes of securing a victory in Sunday Night Football against the Lions, but things took a turn for the worse with several injuries before the end of the first half. One of the players who couldn’t return to the game is Puka Nacua, a key piece of the offensive line, who is reportedly dealing with a knee injury, according to unofficial reports.
The injury status for Puka Nacua has not yet been officially confirmed, but according to NFL insiders, the Rams reported that Nacua did not return to the game against Detroit Lions due to a knee injury. He briefly re-entered the game for a few snaps but eventually had to leave the field entirely.
It’s worth noting that Puka Nacua has been with the Los Angeles Rams since 2023. In his rookie season, he started 17 games and put up impressive numbers, including 6 touchdowns, 14.2 yards per reception, 1,486 total yards, and 105 receptions out of 160 passes.
During the 2023 season, Nacua earned a spot on the Second-team All-Pro, was selected for the Pro Bowl, and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. He was a standout find for the Rams, being the 177th pick in the fifth round of the draft.
Nacua Wasn’t the Only Player Injured During SNF
The game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Detroit Lions was more intense than usual, leading to multiple injuries for the Rams. Alongside Nacua, other players also sustained injuries, including Steve Avila (knee), Joe Noteboom (ankle), and Kevin Dotson (left foot). The severity of these injuries and their recovery timelines are still to be confirmed.
Upcoming Game for the Rams
The Los Angeles Rams are set to face the Arizona Cardinals on the road at State Farm Stadium in Week 2. Their first home game will be in Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers. It’s important to note that the loss to the Lions was not only the Rams’ first defeat of the season but also the first overtime loss of the 2024 season.