NFL
Rams WR Depth Chart: Puka Nacua Injured, Headed To IR
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was injured in Sunday’s Week 1 loss to the Detroit Lions. Below are details on Nakua’s injury, including how much time the star wideout will miss.
Puka Nacua Injured, Headed To IR
Rams WR Puka Nacua (knee) will be placed on injured reserve, will miss at least four games. pic.twitter.com/gcUyxeTbzJ
— NFL (@NFL) September 9, 2024
Nacua will be placed on injured reserve after spraining his PCL in Sunday night’s game. With a stint on the IR, Nacua will miss at least four games.
Nacu’s knee injury occurred in the first half. Nacua was evaluated in the blue medical tent and designated as questionable to return.
However, Nacua went to the locker room on a cart and missed the rest of the game. Nacua registered four catches for 35 yards before his injury.
Nacua injured his knee during a joint practice in training camp, causing him to miss several weeks. However, Nacua returned to practice in late August and was a full participant in practice leading up to the game against the Lions.
Last season, Nacua set rookie records with 105 receptions and 1,486 receiving yards.
Rams WR Depth Chart
Puka Nacua Knee
1. Bangs R knee on turf
2. Defender hits knee + bounces off turf
-Biggest concern: “bursa sac” is also a PCL
-Worst case: 8+ weeks *Highly unlikely*
-Mid case: 3-4 weeks
-Comp: Andre Ellington (3 weeks)
-Best case: 0-1 weeks
-Comp: Eric Decker (1 week) pic.twitter.com/YBCCUWJBhG
— Edwin Porras, DPT (@FBInjuryDoc) September 9, 2024
Losing Nacua is a huge loss for an explosive Rams offense. Who will the Rams turn to in Nacua’s absence?
Cooper Kupp is undoubtedly the Rams’ No. 1 wide receiver and Matthew Stafford’s top option. Kupp had 14 catches for 110 yards and one touchdown in Sunday’s loss.
The Rams will need a No. 2 receiver in Nacua’s absence. Tyler Johnson may fill that void after a five-catch, 79-yard performance against the Lions.
Look for Demarcus Robinson to register more targets with Nacua out.