Puka Nacua missed the Los Angeles Rams’ 28-6 victory over the New York Giants due to hip and groin tightness. With the broadcast hosted on ESPN’s Monday Night Football, fans anticipated the showcase between second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart and the return of defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Donald finished with three total tackles and one tackle for loss, while Dart left the game early due to injury.
Veteran Jameis Winston took over for New York, completing 11 of 27 passes for 111 passing yards and an interception. Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford looked back to his MVP self, completing 22 of 31 passes for 327 yards and four touchdowns. Running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum split carries evenly, both carrying the ball 12 times, with Williams accumulating 85 yards to Corum’s 79.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In the absence of Nacua, eight different players had receptions for Los Angeles to keep the passing attack strong. Wide receivers in particular stepped up, with Terrance Ferguson contributing six catches for 54 yards and a touchdown. The main connection for Stafford was All-Pro Davante Adams, who caught eight passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns, all game highs.
With Nacua unable to go in the matchup, the two-time All-Pro went to social media to react to the Rams’ victory in particular and Adams in specific. The 25-year-old went to Instagram, posting the Rams’ “Victory Tuesday” on his story. Nacua chose to reinforce solidarity and camaraderie, choosing the picture of Adams for his fans to see.
Fans will also hope for Nacua’s return next week for Los Angeles’ Sunday Night Football matchup against Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos.
“WAKE UP ITS VICTORY TUESDAY!!🙂↕️,” the Los Angeles Rams wrote on Instagram.
Head coach Sean McVay will lead his Rams into Empower Field at Mile High to face Bo Nix and the Broncos on Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET, with coverage on NBC.
