Is Puka Nacua playing today? Rams WR's status revealed for Week 9 clash vs. Seahawks

Modified Nov 03, 2024 10:48 GMT

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams - Source: Imagn

Puka Nacua was the star player for the Rams in 2023 as they overcame a poor Super Bowl defense in 2022 to reach the playoffs again. As a rookie wide receiver, he accumulated 105 receptions and 1,486 yards, both records for a newly drafted player in that position.

So, there was hope that he would form a devastating partnership with Cooper Kupp after the veteran returned to full fitness. Yet that has not materialized because both players have been injured for stretches during the season. Puka Nacua aggravated a knee injury in Week 1 and was placed on injured reserve.

He was activated in Week 8 and featured immediately to win the game for the Rams against the Vikings in what was their best offensive performance of the season. While he did not score a touchdown, he recorded 106 receiving yards signaling a return to fitness and form. However, it came at a cost as he was on the injury report going into Week 9. Here, we explore if he is going to play today.

Is Puka Nacua playing today?

Puka Nacua was carrying a knee injury in preseason after an incident in training camp but chose to play against the Lions in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season. While it might have looked like a brave decision, he re-aggravated the injury and it ended up costing him seven weeks before he could return.

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Thus, when he was activated off the injured reserve prior to the last game against the Vikings, people expected him to take it slow and aim for the Seahawks matchup today. However, Sean McVay did not want to wait and used him despite limited practice on Tuesday and Wednesday.

So, when a quick reintroduction despite a lingering issue put him back on the injury report this week, it brought a sense of déjà vu. He was limited in practice on Thursday and did not practice at all on Friday, revealing a worsening trend with the knee. However, just as he has soldiered on before, Puka Nacua is expected to play in this crucial Week 9 game against the Seahawks.

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The Seahawks are allowing more than 350 yards per game in total offense, which should be good news for Puka Nacua and company. However, since the Seattle rush defense is giving up nearly 150 yards per match, which is among the worst in the league, Sean McVay might choose to run the ball more and give his beleaguered wide receiver some protection.

How to watch Los Angeles Rams vs Seattle Seahawks in Week 9?

The NFC West is practically a tie. The Cardinals lead the division but share a 4-4 record with the 49ers and Seahawks. The Rams are a further game behind with three wins and four losses, but they have also played a match fewer.

With such tight margins, every week presents an opportunity for a team to claim the lead and none better exists when two divisional opponents go head to head. In Week 9, Los Angeles knows that a win will tie them with San Francisco, who are on a bye. If Arizona falls to Chicago, which is eminently possible, then victory will put the Rams jointly on top of the NFC West since the Seahawks and Cardinals will then both finish this week with records below 0.500.

With so many exciting subplots, here is how one can follow the game.