Puka Nacua's post-game injury update should alleviate fans' worst fears

The Los Angeles Rams swore not to overwork elite wide receiver Puka Nacua and risk reinjuring him in Week 9. The team hosted the New Orleans Saints after the BYE, and Nacua's return was viewed as the offensive spark needed to power the team through 10 NFC opponents remaining on the schedule

But with 6:00 remaining on the game clock in the third quarter, the unthinkable happened. With the offense facing a fourth down and one yard to go at the New Orleans Saints' seven-yard line, Nacua ran a jet sweep for three yards and a first down. But he was tackled in such a way that his chest absorbed the full impact of the football.

But almost immediately after the game, team reporter J.B. Long passed along the news that head coach Sean McVay reportedly shared an injury update with ESPN Los Angeles, stating Nacua is going to be okay. While that still requires confirmation, it's certainly great news in a positive direction.

Rams offense must kick the Puka Nacua addiction quickly

Nacua's injury occurred with 6:00 remaining in the third quarter, limiting his offensive impact to seven catches, 95 receiving yards, and a touchdown. So far this season, he has hauled in 63-of-71 passes for 711 receiving yards and three touchdowns in just seven games. Two of those games, including Week 9, ended prematurely due to injury.

And despite his absenteeism, he remains on track to set an NFL single-season record in receptions. Better still, he is averaging better than 100 receiving yards per game.

Nacua had just returned from injury, one that had benched him in Week 7. While the team says the right things, it's very difficult to resist calling the number of the receiver, particularly one who is catching everything thrown his way. The former Brigham Young University receiver is catching passes at a rate of 83.6 percent this season.

That's hard to say no to.

Somehow head coach Sean McVay must quit the addiction. It's too easy to do what the offense did in Week 9. Every time the team needs a first down, a big play, or to veer the momentum back into LA's favor, Nacua is the obvious option. But each use elevates the risk of injury. Each injury elevates the risk of something serious.

If the team intends to have a healthy elite wide receiver available in January and February, it has to learn to use its star wide receiver less often along the way. While it's not easy, the alternative of not having him available in the NFL playoffs is far worse.

As always, thanks for reading