Puka Nacua injury update: Should fantasy managers be concerned about Rams WR for Fantasy Football Week 9?

Puka Nacua enjoyed a remarkable rookie season in the 2023 NFL season. The BYU product amassed a stat line of 105 catches, 1,486 receiving yards and six TDs in his first year as a professional. Nacua was slightly edged by Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud for the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.

However, disaster struck for Nacua in his first game of Year 2. He sustained a knee injury in a game against the Detroit Lions. The injury caused Nacua to miss five games before he returned in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Hence, ahead of Week 9, let's take a look at Nacua's availability.

Should fantasy managers be concerned about Puka Nacua?

According to ESPN, Puka Nacua departed from practice on Thursday with a knee injury. The injury elicited fears because the wide receiver had been out of action for over a month with an early-season injury.

Thankfully, sources told Adam Schefter that Nacua's injury wasn't as serious as initially feared. The pass catcher was removed from training as a precaution rather than anything more worrisome.

The Los Angeles Rams will practice again on Friday, and all eyes will be on the Pro Bowler as he looks to price his fitness for the game against the Seattle Seahawks. Hence, Puka Nacua's fantasy managers need not worry just yet about the star wideout. He should feature in Week 9 and could put up solid numbers against the Seahawks defense.

How has Puka Nacua performed this season?

Puka Nacua was on a tear in his first game of the season. The sophomore wide receiver had caught all four targets versus the Lions and had amassed 35 receiving yards. However, he suffered a significant knee injury in the game and had to depart the Gridiron.

It was soon discovered that Nacua had sustained a sprained posterior cruciate ligament. He ended up on the injured reserve and only made his return in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings. He made the wait worth it, however, as he put up a stat line of seven catches and 106 receiving yards, improving his 2024 record to 11 catches and 141 receiving yards.

The Rams hope to have him fit and ready for the second half of the 2024 regular season. As with Nacua and Cooper Kupp, they're capable of scoring against any team. However, in their absence, they struggle to put the opposition away and are forced to rely on an increasingly predictable rush offense.