The Los Angeles Rams closed out a tense showdown with the Detroit Lions as Stafford’s second TD connection with Colby Parkinson helped seal the win. Detroit cut the lead to one late, but Los Angeles’ defense held strong. The victory improved the Rams to 11-3 and kept them atop the NFC, setting up a huge Thursday divisional clash with the 11-3 Seattle Seahawks. Both teams traded big plays.
Quarterbacks were key. Matthew Stafford found Parkinson for two touchdowns, including the game-winner. At the same time, Jared Goff kept Detroit alive with several big throws, hitting Amon-Ra St. Brown repeatedly and finding Jamison Williams for a deep TD before halftime. Williams finished with 78 yards and two scores on 15 carries. Puka Nacua had nine catches for 181 yards.
Nacua’s status worried fans late. With under five minutes remaining he was tackled awkwardly, twisted to the turf and took a hard hit from a safety while being helped up by a teammate, only to collapse back down. Trainers tended him and he went to the locker room. Early updates listed him questionable with cramps; later reports even showed him being helped off.
VIDEO: #Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua took a brutal hit to the spine area and the back of his head.
Puka was originally unable to stand and has been taken to the locker room.
Thoughts and prayers with Nacua.
Just a brutal day of injuries 🙏🙏🙏pic.twitter.com/KeQBG8Q85B— MLFootball (@MLFootball) December 15, 2025
After the game Sean McShay praised Nacua’s toughness and gave him a new on-field handle. “He’s a stud. He epitomizes everything that we want to be about… it’s like Pac-Man — he just eats up yards and catches,” McShay said, sealing the nickname.
Puka = Pac-Man 😅 @RamsNFL pic.twitter.com/2i4pl7IggW
— NFL (@NFL) December 15, 2025
Thankfully, Nacua returned to the Rams’ next possession and further updates suggested the issue was cramps rather than a severe injury. That immediate scare appears to be over. With Nacua out of danger, the Rams’ offense keeps its momentum as they chase postseason security a win here would clinch at least a playoff spot and keep their Super Bowl hopes alive.
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