Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua is expected to miss time after suffering an ankle sprain during Sunday's victory over the Baltimore Ravens, dealing a devastating blow to fantasy managers who invested heavily in the NFL's receptions leader. The injury occurred in the second quarter when Nacua leaped for a touchdown attempt in the end zone and landed awkwardly, immediately clutching his lower left leg in pain before limping to the locker room.
This is a crushing development for fantasy managers considering Nacua's historic pace through the first six games of the 2025 season. He entered Week 6 leading the NFL with 52 receptions and ranking second with 588 receiving yards, averaging an elite 23.1 fantasy points per game in PPR formats. His 52 catches through five games had already set an NFL record, and he was on track for a potentially legendary campaign before this setback.
Fantasy Impact
The immediate fantasy impact is severe for managers who drafted Nacua as their WR1. Through six games, he was averaging 10.8 targets per game with an outstanding 83.1% reception rate, making him one of the most reliable receivers in fantasy football. His injury comes at a particularly challenging time with the Rams traveling to London for Week 7 against Jacksonville, followed by their Week 8 bye.
Fantasy managers should expect Nacua to miss at least the London game, with his earliest realistic return date being November 2 against New Orleans following the bye week. This timeline could cost fantasy teams 2-3 weeks of production from their likely first or second-round draft pick. Based on current PPR rankings, Nacua was being drafted in the first round with an ADP around 13.0 overall.
The injury is particularly concerning given Nacua's history with extended absences. He missed six games in 2024 due to a sprained PCL, demonstrating that when he suffers significant injuries, the Rams tend to be cautious with his recovery timeline. With veteran Davante Adams now in the fold, the Rams have more depth to manage without rushing Nacua back prematurely.
For immediate roster moves, fantasy managers should prioritize adding Rams backup receivers if available, though the team was already thin at the position with Tutu Atwell dealing with a hamstring injury. The Rams' next man up approach will likely involve more targets for Adams and increased involvement from tight ends and running backs in the passing game.
Next Steps
Monitor Nacua's practice participation throughout this week leading up to the London game. If he's ruled out for Week 7, as expected, fantasy managers should prepare for a multi-week absence. The Week 8 bye provides additional recovery time, making Week 9 against New Orleans the most realistic target for his return.
Consider exploring trade opportunities if you're in a competitive league, as some managers may panic and offer reasonable value for a player of Nacua's caliber. His track record includes a record-breaking rookie season with 105 catches for 1,486 yards, demonstrating his ability to bounce back from injury setbacks. However, managers should also explore waiver wire options and potential trades for immediate wide receiver depth to bridge the gap during his absence.
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