Los Angeles Rams fans were taken aback as wide receiver Puka Nacua faced an unexpected ejection in Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. The incident has added a new twist to Nacua’s NFL season, raising questions about why Puka Nacua was ejected and how his absence might affect the Rams’ offense.
Here’s a closer look at what led to Nacua’s ejection and the team’s outlook moving forward.
Here’s why Puka Nacua was ejected
Puka Nacua, wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, faced an ejection during Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks after an altercation in the second quarter.
The incident unfolded when Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen intercepted a pass intended for Nacua. As Woolen moved downfield, Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson kept blocking Nacua even though the play had been blown dead. Frustrated, Nacua threw a punch at Dodson’s helmet, resulting in his immediate ejection due to NFL rules against punches in-game.
Nacua’s removal added to a challenging season where injuries have kept him on and off the field. After dealing with a knee injury, he was a game-time decision and managed just one catch for 11 yards before being ejected.
Rams head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford supported Nacua. They described him as a dedicated and emotional player who can learn from this incident. McVay noted that Nacua’s passion for the game is one of his greatest assets. However, he emphasized the need for “controlled aggression” to avoid future issues (via ESPN).
Reflecting on the incident, Nacua expressed regret, acknowledging that he let his emotions dictate his reaction. Watching the game from the locker room left him with a “helpless feeling,” as he couldn’t contribute to his team’s effort. The Rams, however, managed to secure a 26-20 win in overtime.
This season, Nacua has battled to stay healthy, with Sunday marking only his third game since returning from injured reserve. Both McVay and Stafford believe he’ll respond positively, learning to channel his competitive spirit without letting emotions override judgment. Nacua is expected to play in the Rams’ upcoming home game against the Miami Dolphins on Nov. 11.