The Los Angeles Rams are placing star wide receiver Puka Nacua on injured reserve after he re-aggravated a knee injury during the season opener against the Detroit Lions. Nacua will miss at least the next four games and the earliest he could return is Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Nacua had four receptions for 35 yards before leaving the game on Sunday night. ESPN’s Adam Schefter initially reported Nacua was “week to week” with the injury, but head coach Sean McVay later revealed he would be out at least the next four games.
Nacua had a breakout season in 2024, breaking rookie receiving records in receptions and yards. He earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors, finishing second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. The Rams were hoping he would continue that success in 2024 alongside Cooper Kupp, who will now have to carry the load with Nacua out. Kupp had an impressive game on Sunday night, catching 14 passes for 110 yards and one touchdown with a career-high 21 targets. He is expected to be a top fantasy football option moving forward.
With Nacua sidelined, the Rams’ No. 2 wide receiver spot will be up for grabs between Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson. Both receivers had seven targets in Sunday’s game, with Johnson recording five receptions for 79 yards and Robinson catching four passes for 42 yards. Robinson is considered the safer bet, but Johnson showed potential with his Week 1 performance. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is expected to continue relying heavily on Kupp, as he did in 2021 when Kupp had over 1,900 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, earning Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Nacua will not undergo surgery for his knee injury, but will instead focus on resting and rehabilitating. The hope is that he will be able to return to the field on October 20 against the Las Vegas Raiders. In the meantime, the Rams will face the Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, and Green Bay Packers before reaching their Week 6 bye. Nacua’s absence will be felt by the team, but they will look to other receiving options to step up in his place and continue their success in the 2024 season. Despite the setback, the Rams will aim to remain competitive in a tough NFC West division.
