Despite writing the opposite last week, things have changed in regards to Puka Nacua’s health and it is in the best interest of Nacua and the Rams if he sees limited action against Seattle. Nacua, who suffered a knee injury during the Rams’ Thursday practice, is expected to play on Sunday despite the injury occurring to the same knee that put him on IR after the team’s Week 1 loss.
Nacua is a wild player in the fact that he does not fear contact. Despite his short time in the NFL, he has made countless diving catches mid-air, and while it’s great for team success and his highlight reel, those types of plays also put the body through a great deal of damage.
Pairing that with Nacua’s desire to get yards after the catch and we’re already seeing how all that wear and tear has affected his body.
This is a big game against the Seahawks and represents a golden opportunity for the Rams, but they are much more beatable than Minnesota was and an emphasis on a rushing attack could take pressure off of the pass game.
The last time the Rams played the Seahawks in Seattle, Cooper Kupp was out with injury and Tutu Atwell hauled in 119 yards receiving. Combining that with Demarcus Robinson’s multiple scores last week, the Rams have a receiving corps that can get the job done.
Nacua will have his moments but if the Rams want him to remain a stalwart past his rookie deal, they should limit his playing time. The knee is an important component of being a successful football player and with the horrors of Todd Gurley’s end in LA still on the minds of Rams fans, the team must prioritize long-term longevity over short-term success.
