Is Puka Nacua playing tonight vs Vikings? Exploring Rams WR's status for Wild Card clash

Puka Nacua is the leading wide receiver on the Los Angeles Rams. The BYU Cougars product was a runner-up in last year's Offensive Rookie of the Year Award race, and he has picked up from there in the 2024 season.

Let's examine Nacua's availability ahead of the Rams' wild card round game against the Minnesota Vikings.

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Exploring Puka Nacua's availability status for tonight's Wild Card game

Puka Nacua will start tonight's wild card round game against the Minnesota Vikings. The second-year wideout enters the game without an injury designation and will feature, barring unfortunate occurrences.

Nacua is the Rams WR1 ahead of veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp. He is Matthew Stafford's favorite target, and the duo have combined to startling efficiency in the 2024/25 NFL season.

The Los Angeles Rams have a near-clean bill of health heading into the playoffs. The only two players on the injury report are Hunter Long and Rob Havenstein, and the duo will likely play in tonight's game after participating in full capacity at Saturday's training session.

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How did Puka Nacua perform in the regular season?

Puka Nacua started the season with injury issues but bounced back to prove his reliability for the Los Angeles Rams. Nacua was a receiving gem, going over 50 receiving yards per game in all but two fixtures in the regular season.

Nacua amassed a stat line of 79 receptions, 990 receiving yards, and three touchdowns in 11 games. His stats this season pale compared to his historic rookie year, but it's important to note that he missed six games due to injury in 2024. He'll be hoping for better luck with injuries as he starts his postseason journey tonight against the Vikings.

The Los Angeles Rams secured their postseason berth after a grueling battle with the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC West crown. Finishing the season with a 10-7 record under coach Sean McVay, the Rams will be a dark horse in the stacked NFC. Notably, the Rams are the last team, aside from the Kansas City Chiefs, to win a Super Bowl, adding to their reputation as championship contenders.