Just when the Los Angeles Rams (3-4) seem to be getting healthy and returning to form, misfortune strikes again. Second-Team All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua, who tallied seven receptions for 106 yards last Thursday after missing five games, left practice with a knee injury, per The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue.

Questions first arose when the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year runner-up was absent from his weekly scheduled press conference, which was confirmed to be due to his apparent setback. Nacua was officially listed as a limited practice participant. His status on Friday should greatly impact the likelihood of him playing in an important Week 9 matchup versus the Seattle Seahawks (4-4).

Rams head coach Sean McVay will ideally provide more clarity when he speaks to the media. For now, though, the fan base's stress level will understandably increase.

Rams likely need a healthy Puka Nacua to surge into playoffs

Related Los Angeles Rams NewsArticle continues below
Brenda Song, who the Los Angeles Rams had host a 2025 schedule reveal video, with SoFi Stadium background.
Rams enlist Brenda Song for hilarious 2025 schedule reveal
Rams receiver Puka Nacua, whose girlfriend posted a pregnancy reveal on social media, high-fiving fans after beating the Vikings in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
Rams’ Puka Nacua, girlfriend pull off heartwarming pregnancy reveal
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who got Hall of Fame backing from teammate Quentin Lake, calling a play against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round.
Rams’ Matthew Stafford gets definitive Hall of Fame backing from teammate

Nacua has established himself as an undeniable game-breaker in just 20 professional NFL games, dissecting defenses for 105 catches, 1,486 yards and six touchdowns in his inaugural campaign. He forms one of the most devastating WR duos in the league with Cooper Kupp, but the problem is both stars have struggled to stay on the field lately.

Nacua battled a knee injury in training camp and then was diagnosed with a PCL sprain after LA's season opener, forcing the team to place him on the injured reserve. Considering the latest update, some people will speculate that he came back a bit too early. If the rookie record-holder for most receptions and receiving yards has indeed aggravated his knee issue, a hopeful resurgence could quickly descend into stinging disappointment.

The Rams might once again be shorthanded on offense, and the timing is particularly unfavorable. A half-game separates them from the rest of the NFC West, so a divisional showdown against the Seahawks in Lumen Field holds considerable importance. Los Angeles is hoping for some good news on the Puka Nacua front, but McVay must be prepared to drastically alter Sunday's game plan if necessary.