Is Puka Nacua playing tonight? Latest on Rams WR for SNF clash vs Lions

Puka Nacua turned in a strong rookie season with the Los Angeles Rams last year. He will look to keep his momentum rolling in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, but will first need to overcome an injury. He has been limited in practice leading up to the game against the Detroit Lions, and here's where his status currently stands.

Is Puka Nacua playing tonight vs. Lions?

Puka Nacua (image credit: Getty)

Puka Nacua reportedly suffered a knee injury on August 4 during training camp. It was diagnosed as an issue with his bursa sac and limited his practice participation since then. The team received a positive update ahead of their preparation for a Sunday Night Football matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season.

The second-year wide receiver was a full participant for the Rams' first official Week 1 practice session on Wednesday. Nacua has not reportedly suffered any setbacks with his knee injury, so he appears to be ready to go for his matchup against the Lions.

Nacua is also not listed on the final injury report for the game, so he seems to have fully recovered from the injury and is set to play.

Puka Nacua emerged as the WR1 for Matthew Stafford in the Rams' passing offense last year during his breakout rookie season. He surpassed veteran Cooper Kupp for the role, who had injury issues, but the two of them form an elite duo of wide receivers in Sean McVay's offensive system.

Nacua's first season resulted in him leading the Rams in receiving and finishing in second place in the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award voting. His strong performance included 105 receptions for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns. Nacua also set a rookie receiving record in his lone playoff game last year against the Lions, who he will face off against again in Week 1.

His availability could be a key factor in the Rams finding success against the Lions' defense. They were the second-ranked rushing defense in the entire NFL last year but struggled to allow the sixth-most passing yards per game to their opponents. This means that Stafford may have to take advantage of this situation in his regular-season return to Detroit. Puka Nacua can help him do that.

NFL 2024 Week 1: How to watch Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Rams on SNF?

• Date: September 8
• Time: 8:20 PM ET
• TV: NBC
• Streaming: Peacock
• Venue: Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan