Stephen A. Smith Slams Puka Nacua Over Injury Absences

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua missed his second straight game as the team fell 30-26 to the Denver Broncos. Following the loss, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith publicly chastised Nacua, urging him to return to the field and stop being a “distraction.”

Newsweek

Nacua entered his rookie season with elite expectations after posting a league-leading 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns the previous year. In Week 1 of the current season, he recorded five catches for 74 yards but no touchdowns. A groin/hip injury has kept him out of both Week 2 and Week 3, and the Rams are treating the issue as short-term, opting for caution rather than rushing his return.

Newsweek

• Rams loss to Broncos: 30-26.

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• Nacua’s Week 1 output: 5 receptions, 74 yards, 0 touchdowns.

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• Prior season (2023): 129 receptions, 1,715 yards, 10 touchdowns.

Newsweek

The Rams organization indicated that Nacua’s injury is being managed conservatively to avoid further damage, leaving his status for the upcoming Week 4 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles uncertain. Stephen A. Smith, speaking on *First Take*, delivered a blunt message, emphasizing the limited number of games in a season and demanding that Nacua prioritize playing.

Newsweek

• “There's only 17 games in the season my brother, get your [expletive] out there,” — Stephen A. Smith

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