Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua provided an early scare on Tuesday, leaving joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys alongside head athletic trainer Reggie Scott. The star wideout did not return to finish the day’s session and head coach Sean McVay wasn’t sure what happened.
While any early exit for a franchise cornerstone brings a certain level of anxiety, veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford doesn’t appear to be hitting the panic button just yet. Speaking to reporters after practice, Stafford projected a calm, business-as-usual attitude regarding his top target’s departure.
“I did not [see what happened],” Stafford said when asked about Nacua’s exit. “I’m not really sure what the issue was, but nobody ran up to me in a panic, so I don’t think it was anything too major.”
Stafford’s laid-back reaction is a welcome sign for a fan base that holds its breath whenever Nacua steps off the field. The 25-year-old receiver has developed a reputation for his relentless, physical playing style, but that same trait has occasionally sidelined him. After avoiding injury during his record-breaking 2023 rookie campaign, Nacua dealt with a right knee PCL sprain in 2024 and missed a game due to an ankle sprain in 2025.
Despite the occasional bump in the road, Nacua’s production has been nothing short of historic. He is coming off a staggering 2025 campaign where he led the entire NFL with 129 receptions, racking up 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns. Over his first three professional seasons, he has accumulated 313 catches for 4,191 yards and 19 scores.
The timing of any ailment is also notable from a business perspective. Nacua is entering the final year of his rookie contract with a base salary of roughly $5.8 million, making him eligible for a massive long-term contract extension.
Stafford, at least, isn’t worrying too much about the prospect of missing his star receiver early in training camp.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Matthew Stafford not panicking about Puka Nacua injury
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