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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua broke the hearts of many fantasy managers (through no fault of his own) when he went down with a knee injury in Week 1 and had to be carted off the field.
Nacua was coming off a historic rookie season in 2023 that saw him break the all-time NFL record for receiving yards by a rookie. Nacua was a league-winner, finishing as the WR4 in PPR.
Will Puka Nacua be back? When will Nacua return from injury?
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Puka Nacua's Latest Injury Update - September 13
There haven't been many updates about Nacua's injury since he was initially hurt in Week 1. The situation is concerning though. He re-aggravated a knee injury he picked up in training camp, which was originally reported to be just a bursa sac injury, but ended up being a more serious PCL injury.
Nothing obvious on this play for Puka Nacua
Perhaps he’s still dealing with whatever his pre-season injury was https://t.co/C8MjirPCrY
— Dr. Harjas Grewal (@Harjas_Grewal) September 9, 2024
He appeared hurt on this play, catching a pass and simply falling to the ground, then being slow to get up. If he reinjured his knee simply running a slant route, that could be bad news for his fantasy managers. In this scenario, the Rams seem to have rushed him back from his absence too quickly.
If he's not allowed proper time to heal, he could reinjure his knee yet again when he returns. It would behoove the Rams to be more careful with Nacua this time, considering how important he is to the offense. There may not be many updates on Nacua's status in the coming weeks, since he's on IR and must miss at least four games.
Puka Nacua Injury Update for Fantasy Football
When Nacua does return, it's difficult to say whether his injury will limit him. Knee injuries can be tricky for receivers, who rely on lightning-quick change of direction skills to generate separation from defenders. Nacua's production would be hurt substantially if he returns early and plays through this injury.
Starting your Sunday off right 😁
Some Puka Nacua highlights!! 🔥🔥🔥
— BYUFanGuy (@BYUFanGuy) June 9, 2024
It's worth noting that Nacua played through a number of injuries in 2023 and still managed to be highly productive. Injuries still create sticky situations, though, and many injuries can't be played through no matter how tough a player is. Nacua's knee injury is an example of this, of course.
Puka Nacua Fantasy Football Outlook
When Nacua does play, he has league-winning upside and must be started. If this wasn't apparent to everyone after his record-setting 2023 season, nothing will make it apparent. Nacua dominated opposing defenses regularly and made ridiculous plays seemingly every week.
Every Catch from Puka Nacua's NFL Debut . #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/ulwHROB1pA
— Raskobe (@_KMrzg) September 11, 2023
As you can see, it was apparent from his debut that he was a fantastic receiver. Additionally, after a season's worth of experience, he's undoubtedly wiser about the game. It helps him massively being in Sean McVay's elite offense with Matthew Stafford throwing to him as well. He's a must-start when healthy, just like last year.
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