Rams WR Puka Nacua Activated From IR, Looks To Return Against Vikings On TNF
Oct 24, 2024, 2:40 PM | Updated: 2:54 pm
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 08: Puka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles Rams runs after a catch against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 08, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES – After missing the last five weeks with a knee injury, former BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua will return to action tonight against the Minnesota Vikings.
After Los Angeles activated Nacua, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the former Cougar will see the field although likely with a snaps restriction.
Both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are back. https://t.co/16xSohVost
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 24, 2024
QB Matthew Stafford will be getting both of his top receivers back as Cooper Kupp is also slated to make his return.
With Nacua out of the lineup, the Rams lost three of their five games and sit fourth in the NFC West with a 2-4 record.
As a byproduct of both Nacua and Kupp being sidelined, Los Angeles’ passing game has fallen off a cliff.
They are tied for last in the NFL for passing touchdowns, 20th in passing yards, and 19th in completions.
Eyeing a Primetime win. ⛵️ pic.twitter.com/KqDFW417o0
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) October 24, 2024
In the season opener, Nacua recorded four receptions on four targets for 35 yards. He also took one rush for seven yards before getting injured late in the second quarter.
With both of their star wideouts back, the Rams look forward to the Vikings at home tonight, the Seahawks on the road, and the Dolphins back at home in week 10.
About Puka Nacua
Before his college career, the Provo, Utah native played high school football at Orem High School. He finished his career with the Tigers as the owner of multiple state records.
After high school, the receiver attended the University of Washington and played a couple of seasons for the Huskies.
After the 2020 season, Nacua returned home to Provo and immediately became a star for the Cougars.
Nacua finished his BYU career with a total of 91 catches for 1,430 yards and 11 touchdowns as well as 39 carries for 357 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Puka, man.
Gotta catch ’em all 🏈 pic.twitter.com/7rsLawwY3S
— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024
In April 2023, the Rams selected Nacua with the No. 177 overall pick during the fifth round of the NFL Draft.
Nacua finished his first season as a professional with an NFL rookie record 105 receptions for 1,486 yards. He also scored six touchdowns.
The rookie wideout received NFL All-Pro second-team honors for his play in 2023. He finished as the runner-up to C.J. Stroud for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
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