Puka Nacua (17) was ejected for throwing a punch after this interception by Riq Woolen of the Seahawks.

(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 punching 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. “Being super competitive between those lines, a few things were said earlier in the game, I let my emotions get the best of me and reacted instead of reacting.”

Coach Sean McVay said he told Nacua “we’re smarter than that.” And he referenced former Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald.

“One of the best qualities he has is the emotions and the way he loves to compete with his teammates and do whatever he can to contribute,” McVay said of Nacua, “and also understanding how important it is to have what AD used to call controlled aggression. So he will learn from it.”

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

“Sometimes emotion gets the better of him, but I have complete confidence in his ability to respond and understand that these are the things we can’t do,” Stafford said. “And as difficult as that is sometimes, you have to walk away from those things.

“You have to do it and I have no problem with how he will proceed.”