Puka Nacua injury update: Latest on Rams WR for Fantasy Football Week 8

Puka Nacua was undoubtedly one of the breakout WR stars of the 2023 NFL season after bursting onto the scene as a rookie and clocking 1,486 receiving yards across 17 games. Expectations were high for a Rams team that was looking to build through the draft after spending big money to win the Super Bowl.

While 2024 was tapped as a big year for this unit, they were handed a major blow after Puka Nacua went down with a knee injury in the first game of the season. A banged-up Rams proceeded to drop four games in six, heading into Week 8 with a 2-4 record. But it appears help is on the way for the franchise.

The team officially announced that they were opening the practice window for Nacua this week, which means he is inching closer to a return to the football field.

NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions - Source: Imagn

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Puka Nacua injury update: When should we expect Rams WR to return?

Since the Rams have officially opened the practice window for Nacua, this gives them 21 days to decide if he can be elevated to the roster. Usually, NFL teams give their players an extra week after opening the practice window to get back in the thick of things.

The Cleveland Browns took the same approach with Nick Chubb, who missed a year with an ACL injury. After opening the practice window for Chubb in Week 6, he was a limited participant all week. Despite some optimism, the franchise opted to leave him out of the active roster for that week, instead elevating him in Week 7 where he bagged a touchdown in his first game back.

The Vikings have also taken the same approach with tight end T.J. Hockenson, who is likely to suit up in Week 8 to face the Rams under the bright lights of Thursday Night Football.

Since this is a short turnaround for the Rams, don't expect Nacua to be ready in time for the Vikings showdown in primetime, though Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks may be a more realistic option.

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