Puka Nacua was left bloodied at one point during the Los Angeles Rams’ 14-9 win over the Houston Texans. In the end, though, he emerged from Week 1 with a season-opening victory and a new place in NFL and Rams history.
It was a busy outing for the Rams. Matthew Stafford became the 10th quarterback to surpass 60,000 career yards. He also debuted his connection with wide receiver Davante Adams.
Still, after the game, the Rams posted a message about Nacua to commemorate his day.
Puka Nacua Goes Off Against Texans
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on before facing the Houston Texans.
Nacua logged 10 receptions for 130 yards and 1 touchdown, helping key the Rams’ win. He received a fitting message from LA.
“Let. Him. COOK,” the Rams posted on X on September 8.
“Since entering the league in 2023, Puka Nacua has 13 regular season games with 100+ receiving yards, which is tied for the most in the NFL in that span according to TruMedia,” Rams PR posted.
Puka Nacua Moving Up Franchise Leaderboard
GettyTorry Holt #81 of the St. Louis Rams fends off Andre Goodman #21of the Miami Dolphins.
Per Real Sports, Nacua is now “tied as the 3rd fastest player in NFL history to reach 2,500 receiving yards” in the Rams’ win.
“The performance also broke a key team record. Nacua passed Los Angeles Rams legend Torry Holt as the fastest player in franchise history to eclipse 2,500 career receiving yards. Nacua reached that mark in just 25 career games. Holt’s record had previously been 33 games,” Rams Wire’s Tyler Greenwalt wrote on September 8. “Nacua has a chance to rise in some league-wide leaderboards, too.
“His 2,606 career passing yards after 29 games is now the third-most by a player in his first 30 games in the Super Bowl, behind only Odell Beckham Jr. (3,025) and Justin Jefferson (2,735). While Nacua only has one game before he reaches the 30-game threshold, he could move into No. 2 on the list if he continues to rack up targets and receptions.”
Greenwalt noted Nacua trails Beckhim in some other categories.
The bottom line is Nacua shook off what seemed like a significant injury (he was evaluated for a concussion) and delivered when the Rams needed him the most.
Rams Urged to Keep Offensive Focus on Puka Nacua
GettyDavante Adams #17 and Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams make their way back to the huddle against the Houston Texans.
Nacua replaced former Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp as Stafford’s top target in terms of production over the past two seasons, and LA replaced the now-Seattle Seahawk with Adams in free agency.
Adams is a six-time Pro Bowler, whom Nacua has said will lead the Rams.
However, The Athletic’s Nate Atkins argued that Nacua “proved to be Rams’ biggest star” in the opener. Moreover, Nacua should remain WR1 in Rams head coach Sean McVay’s offense.
“Adams, now 32, is here to accentuate Nacua and lead the room in addition to making plays. And he made some Sunday, with four catches for 51 yards,” Atkins wrote on September 8. “But the star needs to be Nacua, whose production is making it possible.”
Puka Nacua #rams
Heading to the locker room to get a cut on his head tended too. As long as the helmet to helmet collision didn’t also lead to a concussion he should return pic.twitter.com/7gfKz3ERII
— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) September 7, 2025
“Sunday, the Rams offense sorely needed its star,” Atkins wrote, noting the Rams’ myriad injury concerns with Stafford and along the offensive line. “And there was Nacua, being who he has to be for the 2025 Rams by catching nearly everything thrown his direction, in the way that makes him feel most alive.”
Up next for Nacua and the Rams is a road trip to face the Tennessee Titans and rookie No. 1 overall draft pick Cam Ward.
