Puka Nacua injury update: Latest on Rams WR for fantasy football Week 3

Los Angeles Rams v Seattle Seahawks
Puka Nacua injury update: Latest on Rams WR for fantasy football Week 3

Puka Nacua has come on the scene and quickly became a fan favorite among fantasy football owners. The Rams rookie wide receiver is a top-five player at his position in PPR leagues.

Nacua is currently the WR3 with 52 fantasy points as he trails Tyreek Hill and Deebo Samuel.

The former BYU standout has more points than that of the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year Justin Jefferson(48.9 points). Nacua's play is helping those in fantasy win games early on, something no one expected.

Will his most recent injury impact his stellar numbers in Week 3 of the NFL season?

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!


Also read: Zay Jones Injury Update Week 3 Fantasy Football


Puka Nacua Injury Update

Los Angeles Rams Puka Nacua
Los Angeles Rams Puka Nacua

Seeing Nacua on the injury report back in Week 2 wasn't all that of a shock as he was a major in his first NFL game. He was targeted 20 times, getting 15 catches for 147 yards in Week 1. However, Nacua was able to do well despite an injury to his oblique.

Unfortunately for Rams fans, the oblique injury that bothered him last week is still a concern. Nacua did not take part in the team's practice on Thursday ahead of their matchup against the Bengals on Monday night.

However, head coach Sean McVay does not expect it to be an issue for the wideout against the Bengals.

Per Grosbard, McVay addressed Nacua's workload early on this season:

“That's absolutely something that you think about. He's done an excellent job through the first couple weeks but … you say ok, where are some of those spots to maybe supplement their workload?”

The rookie is leading the league with 25 receptions and has 35 targets in two games. One reason for the workload for Nacua is that star receiver Cooper Kupp is on IR with a hamstring injury.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford clearly trusts Nacua as his main offensive target. It seems that McVay is thinking long-term like fantasy owners when it comes to Nacua.


Also read: Brian Robinson injury update Week 3 Fantasy Football


What Happened to Puka Nacua?

Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua
Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua

The 22-year-old has been dealing with an oblique injury as previously mentioned for the last couple of weeks. Nacua will likely be fine in Week 3 based on McVay's comments. He will probably find himself on the Rams' injury report with a questionable designation.

Barring a huge setback to his oblique, fantasy owners can expect Nacua on the field in Cincinnati Monday night. Push comes to shove, you can place him in the IR spot on your roster should he be ruled out. Nonetheless, trust that Nacua will still be a viable option for you.

Cincinnati's defense has struggled a bit and might not have an answer for Nacua in the passing game. The question for fantasy owners is if the wideout be limited by McVay as a preventative measure? Keep him on your roster and do look elsewhere in waiver wires for short-term options.

Nacua is the Rams' offense at this point and this works in favor of those who own him fantasy-wise. The Bengals defense is a tough matchup to draw but a healthy Nacua can yield some fantasy points in Week 3.


When will Puka Nacua return?

Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua
Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua

Based on multiple reports, Nacua shouldn't miss a snap in Week 3 with his oblique injury. It's a minor setback for the young wideout as he looks to continue his impressive run.

Nacua has been able to show why he was worth a draft pick in several fantasy leagues this season. He went into the later round as a sneaky WR backup for some rosters. However, surpassing the expectations only adds more to his value in fantasy.

His competition on the team is Van Jefferson and Tutu Atwell, who have a combined 26 targets for 229 yards this season. Expect Nacua to still be the focal point of the passing game as Jefferson and Atwell will get some looks.

There's a chance that Nacua could find the endzone versus the Bengals, adding more incentive to start him. The Rams might find themselves in a position late in the game to pass it more, which Nacua will be Stafford's first option.

Start him in flex this week if there are no better options at other skill positions on your roster. Put him in a WR slot to be safe in Week 3 to get some points. Puka Nacua could have another great game in fantasy on Monday night.

LA Rams Nation! Check out the latest Rams Schedule and dive into the LA Rams Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

Quick Links

Edited by Debasish
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications