Against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua set a new rookie record with a career-high in catches and receiving yards.
Previously held by Bill Groman (1,473 yards) of the Houston Oilers since 1960, Nakua broke the record for rookie receiving yards with his third reception of the game.
He passed Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for the most catches by a rookie in NFL history with his very next grab, which was number 105.
Nacua, the 177th overall choice in the 2023 NFL Draft, needed just four receptions and 29 receiving yards to surpass both marks going into Week 18.
Head coach Sean McVay intended to play Nacua until he achieved a historic milestone, even though Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, Cooper Kupp, and Aaron Donald were all rested following the Rams' playoff berth last week.
With seven games of 100-yard receptions or more before the end of his rookie season, Nacua will tie for second place all-time, behind just Justin Jefferson, Odell Beckham Jr., and Harlon Hill.
Nacua also achieved the following records during his rookie season in the NFL:
The rookie set a new record for most catches in a game with 15 in Week 2. He set a new rookie record for most receptions in the NFL in just two games, with 25, after just two weeks on the field.
The NFL rookie record for receptions in the first four games is 39, and the receiving yardage record is 502 in the same amount of time. Record for most receiving yards by a rookie with the Los Angeles Rams and the first player in team history to do it.
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