The Los Angeles Rams held their breath on Sunday when Puka Nacua went down with a rib injury. The 2023 breakout star briefly left the 31-20 win over the New Orleans Saints, leaving a noticeable void in the offense. But in a huge relief for the team and its fans, Nacua was later seen on the sidelines with his helmet in hand, and head coach Sean McVay confirmed on November 3 that the receiver is “going to be good.”
Dec 21, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) catches a pass against New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo (29) in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Before his exit, Nacua was already having a monster game, racking up seven catches for 95 yards and a touchdown. His importance to the Los Angeles offense was crystal clear, as the Rams’ drives immediately slowed after halftime once he was on the sideline.
McVay told reporters, “He got his ribs. He could have come back into the game, but we had a bit of a command. I felt like it was a smart thing.” That decision showed smart team management in a crucial moment, prioritizing the player’s health over a single game. McVay explained the team held Nacua out purely as a precaution.
This caution makes sense given the circumstances. The Rams’ offense has been inconsistent this season, showing explosive moments but struggling on third downs. That inconsistency often ties directly to the health of their top receivers. With Cooper Kupp frequently double-teamed, Nacua’s sharp routes and quickness create the kind of spacing Los Angeles desperately needs. In fact, when both receivers are healthy, quarterback Matthew Stafford’s completion rate jumps nearly 12%, according to team stats through Week 9.
Beyond the stats, Nacua’s presence brings a different energy to the locker room. After a couple of tough, close losses recently, his performance in Week 9 felt like more than just a good day. It felt like proof that the Rams can still make big plays and stretch the field when they need to.
Furthermore, the chemistry between Stafford and Nacua is starting to look familiar. It brings back memories of the start of the 2021 run, when steady catches by key receivers helped the Rams build momentum through the middle of the season.
As the Rams prepare for their upcoming clash against the Seattle Seahawks, having a healthy Nacua is absolutely crucial. His presence could be the key to stabilizing the offense and erasing any thought of a slump.