Puka Nacua Has Chance at NFL History vs. 49ers in Week 18

Los Angeles Rams rookie star receiver Puka Nacua has a chance to do something very special on Sunday vs. the San Francisco 49ers

Matt Galatzan | Jan 7, 2024

Puka Nacua Has Chance at NFL History vs. 49ers in Week 18 /

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The Los Angeles Rams are back in the playoffs after beating the New York Giants, and getting some help from the Pittsburgh Steelers last week.

As a result - and as many other NFL teams are doing as well - the Rams have elected to rest their key players for their final matchup of the season vs. San Francisco.

That said, there is one Rams star who was left off of the list of players who will sit on Sunday against the Niners - rookie standout, Puka Nacua.

So why is Nacua suiting up on Sunday against one of the most physical teams in the NFL? Because he has an opportunity to make history.

“I think you’d like to be able to see him get an opportunity to do something special and then be smart with him,” coach Sean McVay explained.

McVay, of course, is referring to Nacua's chance to break the NFL record for receiving yards and receptions in a season by a rookie.

Nacua currently has 1,445 yards, only trailing Billy Groman's 1,473-yard mark from 1960 by 28 yards. He also has 101 receptions this season, trailing Jaylen Waddle's 2021 record mark of 104 by just three receptions.

Carson Wentz to Start in Place of Matthew Stafford For Rams vs. 49ers

In other words, after Nacua hits his mark of four receptions for 29 yards, and passes Groman and Waddle, he is likely heading to the bench to stay - but he will be doing so after wrapping up the best season for a rookie receiver in the history of the NFL.

Better than names such as Ja'marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Cooper Kupp, Randy Moss, Anquon Boldin, Odell Beckham Jr., Mike Evans, Calvin Johnson - you name it.

Obviously, that could be easier said than done against a good 49ers defense, and without his normal QB Matthew Stafford throwing him passes. That said, backup Carson Wentz should be more than capable of helping Nacua set his new all-time mark.

But even if Nacua comes up short for some reason, it will still be a season to remember, and one that could earn him the NFL Rookie of the Year Award.

Published Jan 7, 2024

MATT GALATZAN

Matt Galatzan the Editor-In-Chief of RamDigest.com. Galatzan graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration. Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry under Mike Fisher at DallasBasketball.com in 2014, which at the time was part of the 247Sports network. He also spent two years covering the SMU Mustangs for PonyStampede.com on the 247Sports network. When DallasBasketball.com and CowboysCountry.com moved over to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, Galatzan followed suit, eventually being taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of LonghornsCountry.com and AllAggies.com a year later. Through the years, Galatzan has conducted a handful of high-profile one-on-one interviews to add to his resume — in both writing and podcasting. Some of his biggest interviews have been with Mavs owner Mark Cuban, former Longhorns players Dan Neil and Phil Dawson, and many other recruits, and current/former players for each of the teams he has covered. Galatzan is also a full-time employee in the digital media department for Audacy and KRLD FM's 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, which is the official radio home of the Dallas Cowboys. You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels. For any inquiries, please email matt.galatzan@gmail.com