Puka Nacua (17) was sent off for throwing a punch after this interception by the Seahawks' Riq Woolen.

(Stephen Brashear/Associated Press)

Before the game, there was concern that star receiver Puka Nacua's injured right knee might not hold up.

However, Nacua was ejected from the game in the second quarter for striking Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson after cornerback Riq Woolen intercepted a pass. Nacua watched the rest of the game on a screen in the locker room.

“Just a learning experience,” said Nacua, who caught one pass for 11 yards. “Because I was very competitive between those lines, some things were said at the beginning of the game, just letting my emotions flow and reacting instead of answering.”

Coach Sean McVay said he told Nacua “that we're smarter,” and he referenced former Rams defenseman Aaron Donald.

“One of the best qualities he has is the emotion and the way he loves to compete with his teammates and do whatever he can to contribute,” McVay said of Nacua, “And he also understands how important it is to have AD.” This used to be called controlled aggression. So he’ll learn from it.”

Quarterback Matthew Stafford said he wasn't worried about Nacua.

“Sometimes the emotions get the best of us, but I have full confidence in his ability to respond and understand that these are the things we can't do,” Stafford said. “And as difficult as it is sometimes, you have to step away from these things.

“You have to do it and I have no problems with how he's going to move forward.”