With both teams vying for postseason spots in the second half of the season, the stakes were already high when the Los Angeles Rams hit the field against the Seattle Seahawks. However, nobody anticipated that Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua’s return would be accompanied by an abrupt dismissal in a fierce NFC West matchup.
Nacua was vital to a Rams offense that had shown promise with him back in the lineup only weeks earlier, despite his recent injury. Tensions between the two sides erupted in the second quarter when the Rams were down a slim 6-3 deficit.
The altercation between Puka Nacua and Tyrel Dodson
Matthew Stafford, the quarterback, targeted Nacua on a pass after he had just returned from a five-week stint on injured reserve. Unfortunately, Seattle’s cornerback Riq Woolen intercepted the toss before it could reach him, resulting in a confrontation that would have a lasting impact on the game.
Nacua was confronted by Seahawks defender Tyrel Dodson shortly after the interception. Puka Nacua and Dodson shoved each other after a brief argument that swiftly turned into a physical altercation. Nacua struck Dodson on the helmet with a swing in the heat of the situation. Nacua’s day on the field was quickly ended when officials, who had a clear view of the incident, immediately issued an ejection.
The Rams were depending on Nacua as one of their best offensive options, so the dismissal was a major setback. Although he was on the field for most of the Rams’ offensive snaps, he had only produced one reception for 11 yards prior to his early departure. The Rams have fewer options without him against a Seahawks defense that was poised to take advantage of any change in momentum.
Puka Nacua has been ejected after seemingly throwing a punch
(via @NFLonFOX)pic.twitter.com/aZwEnnSXDz
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 3, 2024
Seattle quickly took advantage of that advantage. Just before halftime, Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith marched his team down the field after the Rams were briefly shaken. He found Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the end zone for a 24-yard score. As the teams made their way to the locker rooms, Seattle had a 13-3 lead thanks to that goal, which swung the tide in their favor.
