Puka Nacua enjoyed a breakout rookie season with the Los Angeles Rams last year, emerging as their top wide receiver. He also finished runner-up in the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year voting and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl. He has high expectations entering his second year in the league, but his 2024 debut appears to be on hold.
When the Rams face off against the Dallas Cowboys in their first game of the 2024 NFL preseason, Nacua is not expected to play. He suffered a knee injury during training camp, and while Adam Schefter reported that it is "not serious," it's enough to keep him on the sidelines for the Rams' first official game action of the year.
While it may be concerning that Puka Nacua will not play in the preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys, he is reportedly in line to be available for Week 1 against the Detroit Lions. Rams coach Sean McVay insisted that the knee injury is minor and that he will be ready to go.
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
"It's just going to be week-to-week with him. Nothing serious, nothing structurally. He'll be in good shape. He'll recover and we'll be ready to go. No threat of anything for Detroit," McVay said.
McVay's encouraging update suggests Nacua's preseason absence won't linger into the regular season. Apart from Nacua, the Rams are expected to rest many of their key players, including their top two quarterbacks, Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo.
Star wide receiver Cooper Kupp is also expected to be absent, so their offense will get a better look at some of their depth options this year.
How to watch the Los Angeles Rams vs. Dallas Cowboys 2024 NFL preseason game
The Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams will kick off Week 1 of the NFL Preseason on Sunday, August 11th. Both teams made it to the NFL playoffs last year and will be eager for another good season. While many starters from both teams are anticipated to be out, it will be exciting to see the two NFC contenders face off.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 4:30 PM ET and will be hosted at SoFi Stadium in California. It will be broadcast on ABC for network television and also has several streaming options, including Fubo, NFL Network, NFL+, and Sling.
Dallas Cowboys Fans! Check out the latest Cowboys Schedule and dive into the Dallas Cowboys Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.