On Thursday, Rams fans and fantasy owners alike received unfortunate news. Wide receiver Puka Nacua left practice early with a knee injury. Nacua, who returned alongside veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp, led the team with seven catches and 106 receiving yards in Week 8.
On Thursday, the media members did not ask about Nacua’s injury, but head coach Sean McVay faced down the media on Friday. McVay confirmed that Nacua did not practice on Friday but that the injury was not serious.
“Fortunately, there’s nothing structurally (damaged),” McVay said. “My expectation is he’s going to do everything in his power to be ready to roll and that’s the mindset that we have.”
How Does an Injured Puka Nacua Effect Sunday’s Gameplan?
If Nacua is cleared for Sunday, it is likely the team will be conservative with his usage. In Week 8 against the Vikings, Nacua and Kupp both saw reduced snap counts. Both receivers saw around a 60% snap count, with McVay experimenting with different personnel groups and packages with both on the sideline.
For Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, McVay will likely continue Thursday’s pattern. Kupp will likely receive more work, while Nacua sees a similar or slightly reduced snap count.
Naturally, Kupp’s heightened role will likely lead to a more productive game from the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year. Kupp will also take over a portion of the wide receiver screens and motions Nacua took last week.
Which Receiver Will Step Up?
With Nacua’s injury, Kupp is the main beneficiary from a numbers perspective. But which other Rams pass catcher can step up if the 2023 Pro-Bowler sees a reduced role?
While more established wide receivers like Tutu Atwell or Demarcus Robinson, who caught two touchdowns last week, are the more reasonable answers, rookie Jordan Whittington is ready for another chance.
Whittington is currently dealing with a shoulder injury, but if the former Texas Longhorn returns to action, he could be a beneficiary of Nacua’s reduced presence. McVay already demonstrated his confidence in the rookie, having him as a motion man while both Kupp and Nacua were out. Whittington could also greatly benefit from playing alongside Kupp, with the former taking the shorter routes underneath while the latter stretches the field.
The Rams’ 2024 sixth-round pick was already working similar areas of the field to Nacua during the Kupp’s absence. Whittington has a strong presence over the middle of the field and around the line of scrimmage. While his production on deep routes needs some work, Atwell and Robinson already fill those roles alongside Kupp.
Keep an eye on Whittington’s status for Sunday, which could bring a breakout performance.
It Was Always Kyren Williams
Even if Nacua still plays in Seattle, the Rams’ running game may still take center stage.
The Seahawks have one of the worst run defenses in the league. The team is ranked 29th in rush yards allowed, giving up 1187 yards on the ground and nine touchdowns.
Seattle’s exposure to explosive runs is also a vulnerability. Head coach Mike Macdonald’s defense has conceded nine runs of 20+ yards, tied for fifth most In the league alongside the Washington Commanders.
Williams currently ranks 12th in the NFL in rushing yards but ranks second with eight rushing touchdowns. His explosiveness is also questionable, with just one run of 20+ yards. While his pure rushing numbers are not jaw-dropping, Seattle presents a soft opponent for the running back to feast on Sunday.
Main Photo Courtesy of Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
