The Los Angeles Rams face significant uncertainty regarding their offensive centerpiece as they prepare for next week’s London matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Puka Nacua departed Sunday’s victory over the Baltimore Ravens with an injury that has created questions about his availability moving forward. For fantasy football managers who have built their teams around the standout receiver, what is his current status heading into Week 7?
Puka Nacua Injury Update
Nacua’s ankle injury occurred during the second quarter of Los Angeles’ 17-3 triumph over Baltimore while he attempted a contested end zone catch against cornerback Marlon Humphrey. The injury happened on a crucial third-down play when Nacua jumped for a Matthew Stafford throw in the end zone, landing awkwardly next to Humphrey and immediately clutching his lower left leg in obvious discomfort.
Medical staff assisted Nacua off the field and escorted him to the locker room for evaluation. Though initially marked as questionable to return, he did manage to re-enter the game briefly during the third quarter for limited snaps. However, Nacua went untargeted for the contest’s remainder and concluded with only two receptions for 28 yards on three attempts. Head coach Sean McVay explained postgame that the receiver “tried to be able to give it a go, just didn’t feel good enough.”
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo indicated that Nacua’s Week 7 availability remains uncertain despite his brief return to action. While his ability to play limited snaps suggests the injury might not be severely serious, the organization appears committed to a cautious approach.
The timing creates an intriguing scenario for Nacua’s recovery with Los Angeles facing Jacksonville in London followed by their Week 8 bye. Given his significance to the offensive scheme and the approaching extended break, strategically holding him out for Week 7 would allow complete rest during the bye and ensure his return at full strength in Week 9.
McVay acknowledged the team’s prudent mindset, noting they were “kind of more being smart than anything” rather than forcing Nacua to compete through discomfort in a contest that never became competitive. Monday brought concerning news when Ian Rapoport reported that Nacua would likely miss some time with his sprained ankle.
On Wednesday, Nacua did not practice. Fantasy managers should expect this pattern to continue throughout the week before Nacua is ultimately ruled out on Friday.
Update: Nacua did not practice on Thursday, either. We can confidently say he will not practice on Friday and will be ruled out. He likely will not even travel with the team.
Second Update: Nacua is officially OUT this week. We remain confident he will return after the team’s Week 8 bye.
Nacua Fantasy Outlook
Nacua’s injury delivers a crushing blow to fantasy managers, as he has established himself as the top receiver in fantasy through six weeks. Before Sunday’s injury-limited showing, he had accumulated at least 23.1 fantasy points in each contest while pacing the NFL with 52 catches and 588 receiving yards.
His 52 receptions through five games established the record for most catches ever recorded in a player’s opening five games of any season, highlighting the unprecedented production level he maintained before the ankle injury occurred.
During Nacua’s absence, Davante Adams will assume the WR1 responsibilities for the Rams’ aerial attack. Adams wasn’t required extensively against Baltimore, as the Ravens proved non-competitive without Lamar Jackson leading their offense. Expect significantly heavier usage next week against Jacksonville in what should develop into a more competitive contest.
Adams drew nine targets against Baltimore but converted only four into catches for 39 yards, indicating room for enhanced production when game circumstances demand more aggressive passing approaches.
Regarding the WR2 spot behind Adams, Tutu Atwell typically functions as the WR3 option but was unavailable for Week 6 due to a hamstring issue. Jordan Whittington seems positioned to fill Nacua’s role directly within the offensive system.
Whittington has demonstrated early-season promise with 10 catches and could be a worthwhile waiver wire target in deeper leagues for managers facing receiver shortages. His skill set appears better equipped to replicate Nacua’s intermediate route-running responsibilities compared to other depth alternatives.
The Rams’ receiving depth gains significant importance if Nacua misses extended time, though the team’s overall offensive effectiveness will likely suffer without their primary weapon available.