The Los Angeles Rams suffered a scare Thursday when Professional Bowl receiver Puka Nacua left practice early with a knee injury, The Athletic reported. Rams head coach Sean McVay will speak with the Hounds on Friday and is expected to provide a replacement for Nacua, whose Thursday practice status was classified as restricted.
According to ESPN, Nacua’s surprise is not believed to be serious, but his status for the Rams’ Life 9 game remains motivated.
Nacua returned to the extreme floor Thursday night after missing the previous five games with a knee injury. Despite the break, Nacua shined with 106 yards on seven receptions as the Rams disappointed the Vikings to strengthen their record to 3-4 on the season.
Nacua, 23, took the league through the extreme Typhoon year, when he held the next-round era offensive rookie record with 105 receptions and 1,486 receiving yards. His games played a key role in the Rams’ sudden playoff berth.
The latter event was the second time this year that Nacua shared ground with fellow catcher Cooper Kupp. Kupp, who has also handled injuries this season, was in the midst of industry rumors before McVay unexpectedly squashed them following Thursday’s extreme win over Minnesota.
The Rams are preparing for a big game this Sunday against top rival Seattle, which is now one of three NFC West teams with a 4-4 record. The Rams, despite currently being in an extreme park in the West, are only one game away from the first park.
