Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua returned to Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans after two helmet-to-helmet hits on one play left him bleeding from his face.
The injury took place late in the first quarter. Nacua caught a short pass over the middle from Matthew Stafford and turned up field to find Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson bearing down on him.
Gardner-Johnson’s and Nacua’s helmets collided, and Nacua was tackled by multiple Texans defenders for a 9-yard gain. As he fell to the turf, linebacker Henry To’oTo’o dove for a direct hit to Nacua’s helmet with the crown of his.
Officials flagged To’oTo’o for unnecessary roughness for the hit.
Nacua got up from the hits with blood streaming down his face from over his right eye. He left the field to be evaluated for a concussion and was initially listed as questionable to return. He cleared concussion protocol and returned to the field before halftime. He later appeared to take another shot to the helmet after a catch.
Nacua’s health is key for a Rams team hoping to compete for the NFC West title. Nacua emerged as an elite receiving option during his rookie campaign with 1,486 yards in 2023. Injuries limited him to 11 games in 2024, and he still managed to 79 catches for 990 yards.
His return to the field was a relief for the Rams and their fans.