The punch – the one who got Puka Nacua ejected against the Seattle Seahawks – is a thing of the past, if not completely forgotten.

Nacua will no doubt hear about a fine from the NFL, but rams“The star receiver has also evolved.

“I’m definitely trying to put this behind me,” Nacua said Friday after practice.

On Monday night, Nacua aims to be on the field for the entire game against the Miami Dolphins at SoFi Stadium. Will Nacua, physical and verbal, hesitate to hire defensive players?

“I don’t think so,” he said, adding that being surrounded by teammates such as edge rushers Byron Young and Jared Verse and linebacker Omar Speights, “everyone is always ready to give a shot fist.”

“So,” he continued, “it’s good to get back in there and be like, ‘Man, everybody’s ready to strike.’ It’s just about being a little more aware of some of the thoughts after the play where people are like, “Ah, I’m going to take my opportunity.”

Nacua, who had a record-breaking rookie season last year, has played just one full game this season. After suffering a sprained right knee during a joint practice with the Chargers, he aggravated the injury in the season opener against the Detroit Lions. Nacua missed five games on injured reserve before returning in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings and catching seven passes for 106 yards.

However, a few days before last Sunday’s game in Seattle, Nacua suffered a serious knee injury and left practice. He recovered in time to play and caught a pass for 11 yards before being ejected in the second quarter for hitting linebacker Tyrel Dodson after an interception.

Rams receiver Puka Nacua (17) got into an altercation after this interception of Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen.

(Stephen Brashear/Associated Press)

“It wasn’t even a good punch,” Rams receiver Cooper Kupp said Friday.

Because of Nacua’s talent, success and physical style of play, he has “a target on his back,” Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said.

“And that’s the truth, as far as when you record what you’re doing in terms of your physicality and the caliber of player he is,” LaFleur said, “it’s a sign of respect that people will chase him, and tweet about him and all that.

“It’s a good lesson for him, and he won’t make that mistake.”

Nacua seemed to have no intention of changing his style of play, regardless of what his opponents said about him. He said he would not let anyone “impose their will on him” and would “stand his ground.”

“Not everyone wants to play football with the same physique as me,” he said, adding that his goal is to “bring it” to every game.

“So it’s also a nice subtle reminder to myself, like, ‘Man, every play is an opportunity for someone to make it or take a hit,'” he said. “And I want to be the one who succeeds, that’s for sure.”

The Dolphins (2-6), coming off a 30-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills, are allowing 183.1 passing yards per game, which ranks fourth in the NFL. While Nacua and Kupp practiced all week, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson did not practice Thursday and was limited Friday with toe and hip issues, according to the injury report.

Robinson has four touchdowns in the last two games, including the 39-yard, one-handed game-winner in overtime in Seattle.

If Kupp, Nacua and Robinson start Monday night, it will be just the fourth time this season that quarterback Matthew Stafford has had all three as targets on the first play.

“It’s fun, but it’s not like we get in a group and go, ‘Oh, look.’ We’re all here,” Kupp said with a laugh. “There are so many guys who can make plays. …The depth that we have…is pretty special.

Etc.

Offensive linemen Jonah Jackson (shoulder) and Steve Avila (knee) were full participants in practice. Safety Kam Curl (knee) and offensive lineman Kevin Dotson (ankle/knee) were limited. … Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass visited the Rams’ facility in Woodland Hills on Friday and received a No. 24 jersey emblazoned with “Mayor Bass.”