With the Los Angeles Rams clinching a playoff berth in Week 17, head coach Sean McVay announced that Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford will be among the players sitting out for the team’s regular-season finale against the San Francisco 49ers.
Puka Nacua has also been vital to the Rams’ success this season, but he is expected to suit up on Sunday for a chance to make NFL history. The 22-year-old needs just four catches and 29 yards to set the NFL rookie records for receptions and receiving yards.
With that being the case, McVay discussed what the plan will be for the rookie.
“Yeah, I think you’d like to be able to see him get an opportunity to do something special and then be smart with him,” McVay said of Nacua playing against the 49ers.
Nacua is in the midst of one of the best rookie seasons ever that no one could have seen coming after being selected by the Rams in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Entering Week 18, the 22-year-old has caught 101 passes for 1,445 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games. Nacua has been named NFL Rookie of the Week on four occasions this season, including most recently in Week 16 when he had nine receptions for a career-high 164 yards and a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints.
If Nacua is going to make NFL history in Week 18, it will be with Carson Wentz behind the center. The former No. 2 overall draft pick is making his first start since Week 16 of the 2022 season with the Washington Commanders.
Puka Nacua among Rams named to 2024 Pro Bowl roster
Nacua was among four Rams players named to the 2024 Pro Bowl Games, joining Donald, Stafford and Kyren Williams. Additionally, Ben Skowronek was named as an alternate on the roster for his contributions on special teams.
