Rams WR Puka Nacua loses early in overtime against Lions due to knee injury

Puka Nacua left Sunday’s overtime loss to the Detroit Lions early due to a knee injury.

The Los Angeles Rams’ star wide receiver first appeared to sustain the injury in the first half of their 26-20 loss to the Lions at Ford Field. He returned briefly but then left the game again to meet with medical trainers.

Nakua was able to run down the sideline, but left the play on the cart.

The Rams announced after halftime that he would not return to the game.

Further details on Nacua’s injury were not immediately clear. The Lions led 10-3 at halftime and extended their lead to 17-3 before the Rams rallied and forced overtime. However, Lions running back David Montgomery scored a one-yard touchdown on his first drive of overtime to secure Detroit’s six-point victory.

Nacua, 23, was one of the biggest surprises of the 2023 season. A fifth-round rookie out of BYU, Nacua developed into the Rams’ No. 1 receiver and one of the most productive receivers in the NFL last season, finishing the season with 105 catches for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns, earning him a Pro Bowl selection.

With Nacua alongside a healthy Cooper Kupp after two injury-plagued seasons, the Rams entered 2024 with one of the NFL’s most promising wide receiver duos. A long-term injury would be a major blow to the Rams’ offense as they look to compete for their fourth playoff berth in five seasons.