Puka Nacua returned to the Los Angeles Rams' lineup with nine catches for 125 yards in their 24–20 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 4. He also scored on a two-yard run, his first touchdown of the season. The Rams' Oct. 9 feature highlighted how his return helped their offense finish a fourth-quarter comeback.
A productive return to the lineup
Nacua had missed the preceding games against the New York Giants and Denver Broncos because of injuries. He quickly provided a downfield option against Philadelphia, catching a 28-yard pass on an early third down. His rushing score later cut into the Eagles' first-half lead.
His most important receiving work came on Los Angeles' last two touchdown drives. Nacua caught all five passes directed his way on those possessions for 76 yards. That total included a 32-yard reception on the first drive and three catches on the winning drive.
The catches that extended the comeback
Matthew Stafford praised Nacua's ability to make difficult catches over the middle. Sean McVay also pointed to his work in the game's most important moments when discussing the win. Those contributions helped create scoring opportunities that Kyren Williams finished with two late touchdown runs.
The performance gave Nacua a 12th straight regular-season appearance with at least five receptions, according to the Rams. That streak counts games he played, rather than uninterrupted weeks on the schedule. His Philadelphia production offered a strong return without establishing a guarantee about future injury status.
CSB Take
Nacua's late catches gave the Rams a reliable way to move the chains when they needed touchdowns. His return adds another option for Stafford and forces defenses to account for both his receiving work and his movement in the run game. Los Angeles will benefit most if that connection helps its offense play consistently before the final quarter as well.
