The Rams are already dealing with an injury in their receiving corps.
Second-year wide receiver Puka Nacua suffered a knee injury against the Lions in the second quarter of "Sunday Night Football."
Nacua was a breakout star for Los Angeles last season, becoming one of Matthew Stafford's favorite targets in a record-breaking rookie season. The fifth-round pick proved to be a diamond in the rough, collecting 105 receptions for 1,486 yards, and six touchdowns. His receptions and receiving yards totals were both NFL records for a rookie.
Nacua was expected to be a featured weapon in the Rams offense again this year.
How serious is his injury? The Sporting News has you covered with the latest updates below.
FOLLOW LIVE: Rams vs. Lions score, updates, highlights
Puka Nacua injury update
Nacua suffered a knee injury in the second quarter of the Rams' Week 1 matchup against the Lions on "Sunday Night Football" and has been ruled out for the remainder of the game.
It wasn't a gruesome hit or anything of the sort. Nacua caught a simple slant route but came up hobbling and went into the medical tent.
Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua shaken up after this play… 😬 pic.twitter.com/qnEheDkOWv
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) September 9, 2024
Nacua was originally listed as "questionable" to return, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. He tried to get back out there on the final drive of the half but was seen looking frustrated on the bench as the Rams brought the ball into the red zone.
Nacua was taken to the locker room on a cart at halftime and was ruled out for the remainder of the game out of the break. He finished the contest with four receptions for 35 yards.
Puka Nacua being loaded onto the cart. Very bad news for the Rams. pic.twitter.com/EEdx0sXKyq
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) September 9, 2024
On Sept. 9, Nacua's status was made a bit clearer. Rams head coach Sean McVay said that Nacua re-aggravated a knee sprain and that he is heading to Injured Reserve (IR) as a result. That means that the wide receiver will miss at least four games for the Rams.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Sept. 15 that Nacua could be out until Week 9, missing more than the minimum four games for the IR.
From @NFLGameDay: #49ers RB Christian McCaffrey may need as much as 6 weeks to heal from his Achilles tendinitis, a frustrating injury; Meanwhile, #Rams WR Puka Nacua (PCL) could remain on the sidelines until Week 9. pic.twitter.com/zFiWNnGOdZ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 15, 2024
September 29 Update
Nacua is still sidelined with his injury. During pregame coverage of the NFL's Week 4, analyst Jay Glazer said that Nacua is expected to miss another month and not return until sometime in late October/early November.
Check back for updates on the severity of Nacua's injury.
Puka Nacua fantasy outlook
All things considered, the prospect of Nacua being out for a few weeks isn't the worst thing for fantasy managers who used a late first or early second-round pick on Nacua.
Non-contact knee injuries represent some of the most dangerous fr fast-twitch talents like Nacua. Although we don't know the specifics behind the ailment, we do know that it won't precipitate a long-terms absence. For those who took Nacua early, that's a welcome sight.
Nacua quickly became Stafford's favorite target last season, surpassing the injured Cooper Kupp as WR1 in Los Angeles. Now, Kupp will have the opportunity to capitalize with Nacua out with an injury.
Kupp was already fielding more targets and receptions than Nacua before the injury on "Sunday Night Football." He had six receptions for 30 yards on 10 targets before the second-year star was ruled out. He tacked on an additional 80 yards after Nacua was struck down.
Kupp, obviously, will not be available on the waiver wire in any leagues. Instead, managers should look to Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson as options to step up for the Rams in Nacua's absence.
WEEK 2 FANTASY: Top waiver wire pickups
Robinson had his moments last season. He didn't get consistent playing time until Week 9 but tallied 26 receptions for 371 yards and four touchdowns over his final eight games played.
Johnson filled Nacua's role in the moment, ripping off an impressive 63-yard catch-and-run against the Lions. He recorded five receptions for 79 yards in his brief cameo.
