Puka Nacua suited up for the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9 despite being listed as questionable with a knee injury, but still wound up being limited against the Seattle Seahawks.
The second-year wideout was ejected late in the second quarter after throwing a punch at Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson. Nacua was also called for an unnecessary roughness penalty that helped Seattle score a touchdown before halftime.
According to Adam Grosbard of the Southern California News Group, Nacua was fined $5,424 by the NFL for the penalty that led to him being ejected against the Seahawks:
Rams WR Puka Nacua was fined $5,424 for his unnecessary roughness penalty against the Seahawks
— Adam Grosbard (@AdamGrosbard) November 9, 2024
Nacua is often praised by his Rams coaches and teammates for the energy he shows on the field. However, the 23-year-old admitted that he let his emotions get the best of him against the Seahawks.
Fortunately for Nacua, the ejection did not have an impact on the outcome of the game as the Rams were able to storm back for a 26-20 win against their NFC West rival in overtime.
Demarcus Robinson stepped up in a big way after Nacua was sent to the locker room as he caught six passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime.
As for Nacua, he finished the game with only one catch and 13 yards on four targets. He has hauled in 12 of his 17 targets for 152 yards in three games this season.
Steve Avila & Jonah Jackson designated to return from IR
The Rams announced that offensive linemen Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson have been designated to return from injured reserve. It is expected that both players will suit up in the Rams’ Monday Night Football matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Jackson and Avila should be starting at left guard and center, respectively, while Joe Noteboom is filling in for the injured Rob Havenstein at right guard.
For Avila and Noteboom, it will be their first time playing since Week 1, when they suffered respective knee and ankle injuries. Jackson will be playing in his first game since Week 2, when he injured his shoulder.
The return of the aforementioned players should help protect Matthew Stafford from interior pressure and give a boost to the Rams’ run game, which has struggled as of late.
Havenstein is dealing with an ankle injury but could return for the Rams’ Week 11 matchup against the New England Patriots.
