PROVO, Utah, Oct. 8, 2023 (Gephardt Daily) — The Rams receiving tandem of rookie sensation Puka Nacua and All-Pro Cooper Kupp made its season debut Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles.
Nacua, who played at BYU and Orem High School, failed to lead the Rams in receiving for the first time this season as Kupp returned from injury and made an instant impact in a 23-14 loss to the Eagles (5-0).
The former Super Bowl MVP finished with eight catches for a game-high 118 yards, while Nacua chipped in with seven catches for a career-low 71 yards while getting into the end zone for the second time this season.
Despite playing Robin to Kupp’s Batman in Week 5, Nacua remains on pace for the best receiving season by a rookie in NFL history. He now has 46 receptions for 572 yards through five games for the Rams (2-3).
Earlier Sunday, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James gave Nacua the nickname “Puka Dončić” on social media, with nod to offensive-minded Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić.
The rookie receiver later wore King James’ jersey to SoFi Stadium.
Here’s a look at how pro Cougars fared in Week 5:
Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Allgeier finished with 40 yards on 17 carries and hauled in a pass for a two-point conversion in the Falcons’ 21-19 victory over the Texans.
Zayne Anderson, CB, Green Bay Packers
The former BYU and Stansbury High School star was inactive for Monday night’s game with a hamstring injury.
Chris Brooks, RB, Miami Dolphins
Brooks was active in vs. the Giants in Week 5.
Michael Davis, CB, L.A. Chargers
The Chargers had a bye in Week 5.
Blake Freeland, OT, Indianapolis Colts
The former BYU and Herriman High School star played in the Colts’ 23-16 victory over the Titans.
Jaren Hall, QB, Minnesota Vikings
The former BYU and Maple Mountain High School QB was active in Week 5 but did not play in the Vikings’ 27-20 loss to the Chiefs.
Taysom Hill, TE/QB, New Orleans Saints
Hill finished with three carries for 19 yards and one reception for 1 yard in the Saints 34-0 victory over the Patriots.
Puka Nacua, WR, L.A. Rams
Read about the former BYU and Orem star’s performances in the story above.
Sione Takitaki, LB, Cleveland Browns
The Browns had a bye in Week 5.
Khyiris Tonga, DT, Minnesota Vikings
The BYU and Granger High School alumnus was inactive in Week 5.
Kyle Van Noy, LB, Baltimore Ravens
Van Noy made one solo tackle in the Ravens’ 17-10 loss to the Steelers.
Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers
Warner was dominant in the 49ers’ 42-10 rout of the Cowboys on Sunday night, finishing with a forced fumble, an interception, a sack and a team-high eight tackles (five solo).
Jamaal Williams, RB, New Orleans Saints
The Saints placed Williams on injured reserve Sept. 23 with a hamstring issue.
Zach Wilson, QB, N.Y. Jets
Wilson completed 19 of 26 passes for 199 yards with an interception in the Jets’ 31-21 victory over the Broncos. Wilson also carried the ball three times for 26 yards and was sacked four times for -26 yards.
Injured reserve
- Brady Christensen, OL, Carolina Panthers
- Dax Milne, WR, Washington Commanders
Practice squads
- Matt Bushman, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
- Kaleb Hayes, DB, N.Y. Giants
- Daniel Sorensen, S, New Orleans Saints
- Chris Wilcox, CB, San Diego Chargers
Positions: Center (C), cornerback (CB), defensive lineman (DL), kicker (K), linebacker (LB), long snapper (LS), offensive lineman (OL), punter (P), quarterback (QB), running back (RB), return specialist (RS), safety (S), tight end (TE), wide receiver (WR).
