INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Cooper Kupp’s absence due to a hamstring injury hasn’t slowed down the Los Angeles Rams’ passing game, thanks to the remarkable performance of rookie Puka Nacua. Nacua, a fifth-round pick out of BYU, etched his name into the NFL record books by setting the single-game record for most receptions by a rookie with 15 catches for 147 yards in Sunday’s 30-23 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Speaking about his record-breaking achievement, Nacua said, “I don’t know if I can wrap my head all the way around it. I’m executing in the moments where I’m asked and try to stay as present as I can.”
Nacua’s record-breaking catch occurred late in the fourth quarter when he hauled in a 17-yard reception, placing the Rams in the red zone and ultimately setting up a game-winning 38-yard field goal by Brett Maher.
This incredible feat surpassed the previous record of 14 receptions held by notable players like Washington’s Roy Helu, the New York Giants’ Saquon Barkley, and Pittsburgh’s Najee Harris.
What makes Nacua’s achievement even more remarkable is that he is the first player in NFL history to have double-digit receptions and 100 yards receiving in each of his first two career games. In the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, he had 10 receptions for 119 yards. This achievement puts him in elite company, with only four other players accomplishing this feat in the first two games of a season: Isaac Bruce (1998) and Kupp (2022) with the Rams, along with Atlanta’s Andre Rison (1994) and Miles Austin with Dallas in 2010.
Nacua’s status was uncertain going into Sunday’s game after he missed practice on Thursday due to rib and oblique injuries on his right side. Despite not being at 100 percent, he was targeted an impressive 20 times and averaged 9.8 yards per catch. His determination and resilience on the field earned him praise from fellow BYU product and 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, who said, “Every time I turned to look, (Nacua) was catching a ball and falling forward with two guys on him. He did a great job.”
Nacua’s performance included a crucial 20-yard reception during a second-quarter drive that resulted in Kyren Williams’ 6-yard TD catch, tying the game at 10. Additionally, he made a critical 9-yard catch on a fourth-down play in the fourth quarter to keep a drive alive.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford also commended Nacua’s performance, stating, “I thought he played great. He is winning his matchup, doing a great job of separating and catching the ball. If we’re in zone, I’m just clicking through progressions. He’s on the front side of a few of them and doing a nice job getting catches.”
Nacua’s 25 receptions in his first two NFL games set another record, surpassing the previous mark of 19 held by San Francisco’s Earl Cooper in 1980. Furthermore, he is only the fourth player to record at least 100 yards receiving in his first two NFL games, with the last player achieving this feat being Will Fuller in 2016 with the Houston Texans.
Nacua’s impressive start to his NFL career has solidified his role as a prime target for Stafford, especially with Cooper Kupp on injured reserve until Week 5. Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed his admiration for Nacua’s growth, stating, “The game makes sense to him. Physically and mentally he’s tough and works hard. He’s got great guys to be able to lean on. I think Puka is going to continue to improve. I love Puka.” With Nacua’s exceptional performances, the Rams can look forward to an exciting season ahead, even in Kupp’s absence.
