Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua returned to Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter after an injury scare in the first half.
Nacua sustained a foot injury in the second quarter. He leapt in an attempt to catch a pass in the end zone and struggled to get up. He walked a few steps and fell back down in the end zone, clutching his lower left leg in pain.
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Trainers tended to Nacua on the field. He eventually limped off the field with the aid of two trainers and went immediately to the locker room. The Rams announced that he was questionable to return with a foot injury. The precise nature of the injury wasn’t initially clear.
But Nacua returned to the Rams sideline before halftime and eventually returned to the field in the third quarter.
The news is of significant relief to the Rams. A Pro Bowler as a rookie in 2023, Nacua is in the midst of a breakout season. He entered Sunday leading the NFL in catches (52) and receiving yards (588) to go with three total touchdowns through five games.
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Alongside six-time Pro Bowler and first-year Ram Davante Adams, Nacua makes up half of one of the NFL’s best receiving tandems. And the Rams were already playing down a wide receiver due to a hamstring injury to Tutu Atwell.
Nacua missed six games of the 2024 campaign after suffering a sprained PCL early in the season. He managed 79 catches for 990 yards last season despite his extended absence.