Rams' star WR Nacua leaves season opener with knee injury

DETROIT -- Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was ruled out after a first-half knee injury in the 26-20 overtime loss against the Detroit Lions.

Starting left guard Steve Avila (knee) was also ruled out of the game.

Rams head coach Sean McVay said after the game that he didn't have an update on Nacua, Avila or left tackle Joe Noteboom, who left with an ankle injury.

Noteboom and right guard Kevin Dotson were seen after the game, each in a left ankle boot. Dotson, who played the entire game, was on crutches as he left the locker room.

After making a catch midway through the second quarter, Nacua limped off the field and went into the blue medical tent. Nacua, who was listed as questionable to return with the knee injury, came back in for a short stint before going back out.

Nacua missed several weeks during training camp after injuring a knee in a joint practice. The receiver returned to practice Aug. 26 and was listed as a full participant in the week leading up to Sunday. McVay said after the game that he didn't know if the knee Nacua injured Sunday was the same one that got hurt during training camp.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford said he doesn't know whether Nacua will miss time but added that the receiver has "built up a lot of trust and equity with me just in the fact that we played together and he's had some success."

"So we'll see what it is," Stafford said. "I have no idea to be honest with you. But he's obviously a big part of our offense. But I do think that [Tyler Johnson] and those guys stepped in and did a really nice job today."

Johnson, who spent last season on the Rams' practice squad, had five catches for 79 yards Sunday.

Last season, Nacua set records for most receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486) by a rookie in NFL history.

Nacua had four catches for 35 yards Sunday before the injury.