Puka Nacua injury: Rams WR leaves Sunday Night Football vs. Lions after knee injury

Puka Nacua was the surprise star of the Los Angeles Rams in his explosive 2023 rookie season. He returned to the field for his sophomore year on Sunday night and quickly earned more attention from Matthew Stafford against the Detroit Lions, but had to leave the prime-time matchup before halftime with a knee injury.

Nacua, 23, was slow to get back to his feet after a second-quarter play in Lions territory and then limped off the field just as Stafford also shrugged off contact. His return was then ruled questionable and he re-entered the field with about a minute left in the first half. However, after a brief return, Nacua left the game again. He was seen sitting on the bench with the Rams' medical staff, according to The Athletic.

It is worth noting that the receiver also missed some time this summer due to a knee injury.

Nacua recorded four catches for 35 yards before his departure and was the Rams' leader in receiving yards at the time of his departure, although fellow starter Cooper Kupp caught nearly twice as many passes.

In addition to Kupp, the Rams also have former Baltimore Ravens veteran Demarcus Robinson as a wide receiver behind Kupp, as well as backups Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington.

Nacua led LA with 105 catches for 1,486 yards in 2023, setting records for a rookie in both categories.