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The Rams are already facing injury challenges with their wide receivers. Puka Nacua, the breakout star from last season, suffered a knee injury during the second quarter of their “Sunday Night Football” game against the Lions.
Nacua had an incredible rookie season, becoming one of quarterback Matthew Stafford’s go-to targets. The fifth-round pick stunned everyone by setting NFL rookie records with 105 receptions for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns. Heading into this season, he was expected to play a key role in the Rams’ offense once again.
Unfortunately, during Week 1, Nacua was injured on a routine slant route and had to leave the game. Initially listed as “questionable” to return, he tried to re-enter before halftime but was seen frustrated on the bench. At halftime, he was taken to the locker room on a cart and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Before his injury, Nacua had logged four receptions for 35 yards.
The extent of Nacua’s injury is still unknown, but non-contact injuries are often concerning. Fantasy managers who relied on Nacua will be worried, especially as his absence could open the door for Cooper Kupp to shine even more. Kupp was already seeing more targets than Nacua, with six receptions for 30 yards on 10 targets before Nacua’s exit.
If Nacua misses extended time, fantasy managers should look at players like Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson to step up. Johnson, in particular, showed potential with a 63-yard catch-and-run against the Lions.