Puka Nacua's return comes at a perfect time for the Rams

After his Week 1 hip/groin injury, the Los Angeles Rams' powers-that-be kept Puka Nacua on ice until now. Some reports hinted that the elite receiver could have suited up in Week 3. LA wisely went the cautious route. Such are the ever-present gambles in the NFL.

Saving Nacua for the Philadelphia Eagles may tip the Rams' hand a bit in terms of their strategic thought process. The importance of winning in Week 4 cannot be overemphasized. The victor will have a solid advantage in any future playoff tie-breakers. And with one game pitting NFC contenders against each another, there are no mulligans.

While the 1-2 Rams are struggling, the Eagles are not exactly unbeatable. They've won two games against teams with a combined record of 1-5. In fact, Philly has faced three teams with a combined record of 3-6. This is not some juggernaut.

Matthew Stafford will need Puka Nacua to overcome Philly's hex

Since arriving in Los Angeles in 2021, quarterback Matthew Stafford has never beaten the Eagles. Many of those games came with huge repercussions. Whether in the postseason or in the regular season with playoff implications, Stafford is 0-4 facing Philly.

He'll need Nacua on the field if for the Rams to snap that losing streak.

Nacua plays well against the Birds. In 2023, he caught 7-of-11 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. In 2024? Nine catches of 13 targets for 117 yards during the regular season. In the postseason rematch, he hauled in 6-of-14 passes for 97 yards. Last season Nacua caught 11 of 15 for 112.

LA wants him on the football field. This week, he's finally healthy enough to put on the pads.

But it won't all be on Nacua. Veteran receiver Davante Adams has been red hot, putting up 358 yards and two touchdowns on the season. Running back Kyren Williams has rushed for 214 yards and a score, while catching 11 passes for another 106 and a touchdown.

Ultimately, the offense runs through Stafford, who has not been his best of late. Perhaps seeing his favorite receiver on the field can bolster his accuracy. At least, it's worth a try.

As always, thanks for reading.

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