Rams Rookie WR Puka Nacua Can Break 63-Year-Old NFL Record
On Sunday, as the Rams take on the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles rookie phenom widout Puka Nacua has a chance to break an NFL record that's stood for 63 years - and he needs just 29 yards to do it.
Former Houston Oilers wideout Bill Groman registered 1,473 receiving yards in 1960. Nacua has 1,445 with one game left to play on the regular-season 2023 schedule.
Groman accomplished his feat in the inaugural season of the American Football League and a 14-game schedule. On Sunday, Nacua can eclipse that mark against the 49ers in his 17th game of the season.
This season, Nacua has topped the 29-yard mark in 14 games, and with the record in sight, there's no doubt that quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Rams will make it a point to get him to that total sooner than later in the game.
The 49ers have already wrapped up the NFC West crown as well as the No. 1 seed in the NFC, so there's not a lot to play for on Sunday, and some starters could see more rest than playing time. The Rams have also clinched a playoff spot but will either be the No. 6 or No. 7 seed based on what happens this weekend.
Rams coach Sean McVay could be resting some players this weekend as well, but more than likely with this record being a possibility for Nacua, he'll at least allow him time to catch 29 yards worth of passes. After that, all bets are off.
