Rams WR Puka Nacua is expected to play against Seattle

The Los Angeles Rams fan base held its breath this week when WR Puka Nacua injured the knee that had plagued him all season in practice. Luckily, though, it looks like they can all breathe a collective sigh of relief, as The Athletic's Diana Russini reports that Nacua is expected to play against the Seattle Seahawks despite his questionable nomination before the game.

Nacua had to leave Thursday's practice early after hitting his recently healed knee on the ground and was also unable to return to Friday's practice.

The second-year wide receiver first injured his right knee during a joint practice on August 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers and missed three weeks of practice due to the injury. The injury then aggravated again in the first half of the season opener against the Detroit Lions and spent the next five weeks on injured reserve.

The impact of Nacua's return to the field last week was immediate. The Rams' ailing passing game suddenly looked deadly again. After being reinstated to the team, he quickly became the focal point of the offense and immediately returned to his highly productive ways. In his first game back since coming off IR, he totaled seven catches and 106 yards.

The Rams will need Nacua to be productive again against the Seahawks as this game could have big implications for the future of the NFC West. If the Chicago Bears can beat the Arizona Cardinals despite their 1-4 start to the season, LA would be in position to take the NFC West lead with a win over Seattle.

Los Angeles is now expected to have both Cooper Kupp and Nacua available for the game, and that dynamic duo could potentially be joined by rookie WR Jordan Whittington. Whittington was sidelined the last two weeks with a shoulder injury, but before that, the rookie had really started to play a bigger role in the Rams' passing game. If he's able to shake off his questionable label and get dressed. against the Seahawks it would be the first time all three receivers would be on the field together all season.

An opportunity exists for the Los Angeles Rams, who seem to be getting healthier every week. In addition to Kupp, Nacua and Whittington, the team also has a chance that OL Jonah Jackson and Steve Avila will be available as early as next week. Their potential return, accompanied by NFC West leadership, could give the Rams the positive momentum they need heading into the second half of the season.