Is Puka Nacua playing today vs. Eagles? Exploring the Rams WR's status for divisional round game

Second-year wide receiver Puka Nacua will try to help the LA Rams return to the NFC championship game, but first, he needs to help his team win the divisional-round showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Nacua, who has made a name for himself as one of the league's top receivers, has been quarterback Matthew Stafford's go-to target this campaign for good reason.

Here, we'll examine the wide receiver's availability for the divisional-round matchup at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday afternoon.

Exploring Puka Nacua's availability status for divisional round game

Puka Nacua will take the field in Philadelphia on Sunday when the LA Rams take on the Eagles. The 23-year-old receiver is not dealing with any injuries, so barring any late pregame concerns, he will suit up in the divisional round.

Nacua missed Week 2 through Week 7 of the Rams' season after suffering a knee injury during a loss to the Detroit Lions in the opening week. Except for Week 18, when he was rested alongside other starters, he hasn't missed a Rams game since returning to the field against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8.

The former fifth-round pick has once again become a vital member of the Rams' offense after his recovery, leading the team to a five-game winning streak from Week 13 to Week 17, which ultimately earned it a postseason berth.

While Nacua will play against the Eagles, the Rams ruled out defensive end Larrell Murchison (foot) and linebacker Troy Reeder (hamstring), who have been cleared to return from injured reserve but will not be activated for the divisional round game.

The team also listed four players as questionable on the final injury report: nose tackle Bobby Brown III (shoulder), offensive lineman Justin Dedich (illness), cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (thigh) and offensive lineman Alaric Jackson (chest).

How has Puka Nacua performed this season?

As seen by his nine targets in Monday Night Football's 27-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, Puka Nacua is the obvious focal point of the LA Rams' passing offense.

With the 23-year-old receiver playing, the Rams are 9-3 in 2024, but they are only 2-4 when he's not on the field. His growing significance to the team's offense is further demonstrated by the fact that Los Angeles is 7-2 when Nacua has 50+ receiving yards.

Nacua had just five receptions for 44 yards in the divisional round game on Monday, which was the fewest catches he has had in a full game during the current campaign. But when the Rams faced the Eagles in the regular season, he caught nine passes on 13 targets for 117 yards, and he should have a strong chance to record identical numbers on Sunday.

In 11 games during the regular season, Nacua caught 79 passes for 990 yards and three touchdowns. He is unquestionably the Rams' finest playmaker, so they will need another outstanding display from him on Sunday if they are to have a chance at reaching the NFC championship.