The injury bug has severely bitten the Los Angeles Rams, with key players such as Puka Nacua and Carlton Davis facing significant setbacks. The Rams faced the Detroit Lions on Sunday night at Ford Field, and although the Rams put up a valiant effort in an overtime loss, the real story was the toll injuries took on the team.
The most concerning injury was to star wide receiver Puka Nacua. Nacua exited the game in the second quarter after a 6-yard catch with 6:36 left on the clock. He returned for one play but then left the game for good and was carted off to the locker room at halftime. Field Level Media reported that Nacua had already garnered four catches for 35 yards before his night was over KFGO. Given his outstanding performance last season with 105 receptions for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns, his absence was deeply felt.
Puka Nacua’s injury prompted immediate concerns. Yahoo Sports confirmed that Nacua will undergo further testing on his injured knee Yahoo Sports. Additionally, there are talks about placing him on the Injured Reserve (IR) list, a significant blow for the Rams' offense Rams Wire. The agony didn't stop there, as left guard Steve Avila also injured his knee and didn’t return for the second half of the game.
The Detroit Lions also had their scare. Cornerback Carlton Davis sent a collective gasp through Ford Field when he went down during the Rams' second-to-last offensive play. According to the Detroit Free Press, Davis had the wind knocked out of him while attempting to intercept a pass. He was notably angry about dropping the interception but is reportedly okay after the late injury scare Detroit Free Press.
In addition to Nacua and Avila, left tackle Joe Noteboom and right guard Kevin Dotson also succumbed to injuries. Joe Noteboom was carted to the locker room due to an ankle injury, and Kevin Dotson left the stadium on crutches with his left foot and ankle in a protective boot Killeen Daily Herald.
These injuries evoke memories of the Rams' challenging 2022 season when injuries ravaged the team during their historic Super Bowl hangover. As Coach Sean McVay and his team navigate through these turbulent waters, only time will tell how these injuries will impact their season. For now, Rams fans can only hope for quick recoveries and minimal long-term damage to their star players.
What other sites are saying about this topic
Rams WR Puka Nacua (knee) leaves game vs. Lions from KFGO
Rams will place Puka Nacua on IR, Steve Avila is also an IR candidate from Rams Wire
Detroit Lions CB Carlton Davis OK after late injury scare; footing issues at Ford Field from Detroit Free Press
Rams-Lions takeaways: Puka Nacua, offensive linemen injuries a major concern from Killeen Daily Herald
Puka Nacua to undergo testing on injured knee Monday from Yahoo Sports