Beloved Rams Playmaker Ruled Out With Concerning Knee Injury in Week 1

Star second-year Rams WR Puka Nacua suffered a potentially knee injury during Week 1 against the Lions, needing to be carted off the sideline in a scary sight for the franchise.

Nacua emerged as one of the best draft steals in recent memory after being taken in the fifth round in 2023, earning All-Pro honors in the process with one of the best rookie seasons we've seen at the position.

He left the game early and returned, though was seen sitting despondently on the sideline before ultimately being carted away and ruled out.

Rams WR Puka Nacua Suffers Knee Injury in Week 1 vs. Lions

During his spectacular rookie campaign, Nacua caught 105 passes for 1,486 yards and six TDs. He had four catches for 35 yards along with seven rushing yards prior to the injury, and his status moving forward could help determine how far this Rams team can go.

Cooper Kupp remains one of the NFL's most dominant receivers, but Nacua serving as the Robin to his Batman helped give Los Angeles a ferocious passing game with Matthew Stafford calling the shots. Without Nacua, things get dicey.

The Rams take on the Cardinals in Week 2 and 49ers in Week 3, a pair of divisional matchups that loom large. Should Los Angeles get off to an 0-2 start in the division, they'll suddenly face an uphill climb to make the playoffs.

Sean McVay's group has the capability to go on a run, though the Rams can't reach their ceiling without Nacua on the field. Here's hoping he gets back sooner than later.

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