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Everyone was very excited for the return of the NFL, but with touchdowns and wins also comes injuries and losses and that is exactly what happened to the Los Angeles Rams when they visited the Detroit Lions.
Not only did Matthew Stafford and company dropped the opener against his former team 26-20 in overtime, but more bad news came for the Rams, as Puka Nacua will be out for at least a month due to a knee injury.
The wide receiver aggravated his knee injury in the first half of Sunday night's game and will be placed on injured reserve, as head coach Sean McVay said, in what is a big blow to the team's offense.
At least a month out of action
Puka Nacua will be out at least 4 weeks, missing games in Arizona against the Cardinals, against the San Francisco 49ers, in Chicago against the Bears and against the Green Bay Packers. He would be eligible to return on October 20, when the Rams host the Las Vegas Raiders after their Week 6 bye.
That extra week would be helpful but returning to his original high level will probably take time. In 2023 he broke records for receptions and yards for a rookie as one of the sensations of the league after being chosen in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, from BYU.
He exceeded all expectations ending up being elected to the Pro Bowl after catching 105 es for 1,486 yards, both records for a first-year player. His 2024 season had a setback since the preseason, when he injured his knee in a t practice with the Los Angeles Chargers. Before the injury, Puka caught 4 es for 35 yards against the Lions; he also had one carry for 7 more yards.