At one point earlier this season, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua seemed poised to break NFL single-season receiving records until an ankle injury sidelined him for a game.
Then, in LA's Week 9 victory over the New Orleans Saints, Nacua suffered a ribs injury that put his status for the following week's showdown against the San Francisco 49ers in some doubt.
However, as shared by ESPN's Adam Schefter, head coach Sean McVay declared Nacua would indeed suit up against the Niners at Levi's Stadium in Week 10 as part of Los Angeles' effort to increase a half game lead over its NFC West rivals:
Rams HC McVay Sean McVay told reporters that WR Puka Nacua should be good to play Sunday vs. the 49ers despite his rib injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 5, 2025
At 6-3, the Niners hope not to lose ground versus the 6-2 Rams in a contested NFC West, making Sunday's showdown a vital one.
Nacua, who still leads the league with 73 targets and is a key go-to option for quarterback Matthew Stafford, did plenty of damage against San Francisco when the two teams met earlier this season. In the Thursday Night Football clash on Oct. 2, the Pro Bowl wideout hauled in 10 receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown, even though the 49ers emerged with a 26-23 overtime victory.
That said, the 49ers might be in a bit more of a bind this go-around when facing Nacua and Co.
Shorthanded 49ers will have a tough time containing Puka Nacua
The Niners have suffered plenty of key injuries since their clash against the Rams earlier this year, particularly losing All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Mykel Williams to season-ending injuries.
Already without defensive end Nick Bosa (ACL), coordinator Robert Saleh's defense finds itself relying primarily on first- and second-year pros, as well as backups, which ultimately makes things challenging when trying to negate the offensive threat both Nacua and Stafford present.
To date, San Francisco is surrendering 6.4 net yards per pass attempt, which ranks 21st in the league.
A key reason has been the lack of a true pass rush, and the 49ers have mustered a mere 11 sacks on the season, putting more pressure on a primarily young and inexperienced secondary.
It'd be one thing if LA's receiving corps was shorthanded, too.
But, with Nacua in the mix, one figures this will be a mismatch McVay and Stafford look to fully exploit when both teams square off on Sunday, Nov. 9.