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Puka Nacua was a welcome surprise for the Los Angeles Rams last season. As a fifth-round selection in the 2023 draft, the former BYU standout had little fanfare going for him. But as the season progressed, he became one of the league’s top receivers.
Nacua established the rookie record for receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486) in a season. He also excelled in the postseason, establishing a rookie playoff-high 181 yards during their Wild Card Round matchup against the Detroit Lions.
However, as promising as his rookie season was, an injury is threatening his availability for the Rams early in the 2024 NFL season. Will Nacua be back in time for their 2024 season opener against the Lions?
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How Serious Is Puka Nacua’s Injury?
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed that a reliable source shared that Nacua is “week-to-week” due to a knee injury. While Schefter’s source confirmed that the injury isn’t severe, it’s still a cause for concern because Nacua is one of the Rams’ primary offensive weapons.
It didn’t take long before Nacua and Matthew Stafford developed their chemistry, as proven by the wideout’s three 100-yard performances in his first four NFL games. Therefore, their partnership will be crucial to the Rams’ playoff aspirations.
More injuries in LA: Rams standout WR Puka Nacua is now considered week to week after suffering a knee injury this weekend that one source described as “not serious.” pic.twitter.com/1VVwugcKDn
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 5, 2024
While the Rams faithful hope for the best, Nacua’s uncertain status means he might not be available for preseason. Since the team would like to guarantee his full recovery, he might return to action when they open the regular season on the road.
Should You Draft Puka Nacua for Fantasy Football 2024?
With a gunslinger quarterback like Stafford who isn’t afraid to take his shots downfield, Nacua will get his chances to catch footballs when he’s healthy. Therefore, he can deliver numbers comparable to his rookie season numbers.
Since RotoBaller projects that he will finish this season with 98 receptions for 1,410 yards and nine touchdowns, Nacua is a WR1 in any fantasy format. He is the seventh-ranked wide receiver in fantasy football, with an average draft position of 12. Hence, a fantasy player could draft him by the late first or early second round.
Likewise, Cooper Kupp’s health will directly affect his production. When the former Offensive Player of the Year is healthy, the Rams' offense will be challenging to contain, and Nacua can exploit more favorable matchups.
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