Puka Nacua
Wide Receiver #17
Puka Nacua News
Puka Nacua Smothered with Dozens of Targets in Loss
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua caught 17 of his 24 targets for 138 yards and one touchdown during Monday's Week 5 loss against the Buffalo Bills in overtime. Although Los Angeles didn't win, it was no fault of Nacua's. The superstar receiver handled an extraordinarily large role, as his 24 targets amounted to a staggering 44.4% target share. Nacua has only played three games this season, and Monday's was easily his best. He's now averaging 10.3 catches, 112.3 receiving yards, and 0.7 total touchdowns per game so far. It's no secret by now that Nacua will continue to operate as a high-end WR1 as long as he stays healthy. The 25-year-old should continue to feast in Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals, who just allowed Jameson Williams to rack up 47 yards and two touchdowns.
Oct 12, 2026 8:18 PM EST
Puka Nacua Could Feast with Favorable Matchup in Potential Shootout
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua returned to action following a two-week absence last Sunday, and he wasted no time returning to his elite form. After catching nine passes for 125 yards last week, Nacua returns to action this week with another favorable matchup and a projected high-volume role against the Buffalo Bills. We could be in for a shootout between Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford, which would bode well for both teams' fantasy contributors, including Nacua. He's the easy favorite to lead the Rams in receptions and yardage. Speaking of those two stats, the Bills have allowed the seventh-most receptions, fifth-most yards, second-most touchdowns, and fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2026. There's a real path to top-tier production from Nacua this week. Not only is he a must-start WR1, but he's a solid bet to finish as the top-scoring wide receiver in fantasy football this week.
Oct 10, 2026 11:38 PM EST
Puka Nacua's Pre-Hernia Issue Could Require Surgery
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (hip/groin) is dealing with what ProFootballTalk described Monday as a "pre-hernia" issue. Erin Andrews first reported the condition during Sunday's broadcast, while head coach Sean McVay had previously said Nacua did not actually have a hernia. He certainly looked healthy enough in his return, catching nine passes for 125 yards in a 24-20 win over Philadelphia after missing the previous two games. The concern is what happens from here. ProFootballTalk noted that continued stress on the weakened area could potentially lead to a true hernia, which would require surgery, but there is no indication that has happened or that Nacua is currently expected to miss more time. He entered Week 4 without a game designation after practicing fully Friday. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on the Rams' practice reports this week, but Nacua remains a high-end WR1 as long as he continues to play through the issue without a setback.
Oct 5, 2026 7:38 AM EST
Puka Nacua Roasts Eagles' D in Return From Injury
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua caught nine passes for 125 yards in Sunday's 24-20 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The 25-year-old led all Rams pass catchers in Week 4 in yards, but running back Kyren Williams out-targeted him (13) and out-caught him (10). While it would have been nice to see him score in this one, it's encouraging that he wasn't limited by a groin/hip injury that kept him out of the prior two contests. Moreover, Nacua's return slid teammate Davante Adams back into a tertiary role in the offense, maintaining the former's ludicrous ceiling. Barring any setbacks, the former fifth-round pick of the 2023 NFL Draft will get another smash spot in Week 5 when LA takes on a susceptible Buffalo Bills defense. Nacua will be a high-end WR1.
Oct 4, 2026 10:26 PM EST
Puka Nacua Expected to Have a Full Workload in Week 4
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (hip) is not expected to have a limited workload as he returns from a two-game absence against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. The Rams were patient with Nacua's recovery, holding him out of back-to-back games and refusing to rush him back. Fantasy managers should be encouraged that Nacua has no limitations on Sunday. Not only does it mean that he's back to 100%, but it also indicates that he'll handle a full complement of snaps, which could help him excel offensively and rank as this week's overall WR1 in fantasy football. Presumably, Nacua will seamlessly take over for Davante Adams as quarterback Matthew Stafford's No. 1 target. In Nacua's two-game absence, Adams racked up a whopping 15 catches, 332 yards, and two touchdowns.
Oct 4, 2026 4:32 AM EST
Puka Nacua an Immediate WR1 in Highly Anticipated Return
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is immediately back in mid-to-high WR1 territory after being removed from the injury report ahead of Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Nacua sat out two games due to a hip injury, but he has been cleared to return for a battle between two strong offenses. The 25-year-old hasn't seen the field since the season opener, and a lot has changed for Los Angeles since then. The Rams looked their worst during that Week 1 battle; Matthew Stafford threw for 155 yards and one interception in that game, but 717 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions in two games since then. Davante Adams has been filling in admirably for Nacua, but the latter should return to his role as Stafford's favorite target and a must-start fantasy receiver in all leagues, especially with no reported limitations on his workload for Week 4. He'll also benefit from this specific matchup against the Eagles, who have allowed the fifth-most touchdowns and 10th-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2026.
Oct 2, 2026 10:14 PM EST
Puka Nacua Good to Go in Week 4, Snap Count Remains Uncertain
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) will play in his team's Week 4 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, per Sarah Barshop of ESPN. However, Barshop adds that Rams head coach Sean McVay said the team is "still working through" how it will navigate Nacua's snap count. Nacua has missed Los Angeles' last two games with a groin injury. While he returned to practice this week and appears to be getting closer to full health, it seems he will not play his usual full-time role in Week 4. The 25-year-old was ridiculously productive for the Rams in 2025, recording 129 catches for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns on 166 targets across 16 games. Even with potentially diminished usage, Nacua remains a must-start fantasy wide receiver as long as he's active. Still, fantasy managers may need to downgrade expectations for the star wideout's production against the Eagles on Sunday.
Oct 2, 2026 10:44 AM EST
Puka Nacua Listed As Limited on Thursday, Says He Practiced In Full
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice as the team prepares to face the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite the limited designation, Nacua told the media after practice that he practiced in full, and head coach Sean McVay said Nacua is expected to play in Week 4. The superstar receiver has missed the past two weeks with a hip/groin injury stemming from a psoas issue he dealt with in training camp. When healthy, Nacua has been a monster, averaging 16.3 half-PPR fantasy points in his career. As they prepare to face an elite Philadelphia secondary, fantasy managers should temper expectations for the star receiver if he suits up on Sunday.
Oct 1, 2026 3:03 PM EST
Puka Nacua Expected to Practice in Full Thursday
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (hip/groin) is expected to practice in full Thursday, according to Adam Grosbard. Offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase also pointed to a play from Wednesday when Nacua twisted back to catch a pass thrown behind him as another encouraging sign in his recovery. Nacua was limited Wednesday in his first official practice since Sept. 18 after missing the last two games. Head coach Sean McVay has already said he expects Nacua to return Sunday against Philadelphia. The 25-year-old caught five passes for 74 yards in the season opener before the injury surfaced. Thursday's official participation level still needs to be posted, but everything continues to point toward Nacua being back in the lineup for Week 4.
Oct 1, 2026 11:42 AM EST
Puka Nacua Returns to Practice on Wednesday, Expected to Play in Week 4
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that he expects wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) to play in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Nacua returned to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday after missing each of the Rams' last two games with a groin injury. However, it appears as though he's trending in the right direction and could be active this week. The 25-year-old recorded five catches for 74 yards on nine targets against the San Francisco 49ers in his lone appearance of 2026 so far. Nacua was arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL in 2025, hauling in 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns on 166 targets across 16 games. As long as he's active in Week 4, Nacua profiles as a must-start WR1 option for fantasy managers against Philadelphia.
Sep 30, 2026 12:59 PM EST
Rams Hopeful That Puka Nacua Can Play This Week
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said on Monday that he is hopeful that star wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) can play in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles after missing the last two games with a groin injury, according to Nate Atkins of The Athletic. Nacua tweaked his groin in practice a few weeks ago and has not practiced in close to two weeks, so he will need to return to the practice field this week to have a chance to make his return against the Eagles on Sunday, Oct. 4. Veteran pass-catcher Davante Adams has 15 receptions on 23 targets for 332 yards and two touchdowns the last two weeks with Nacua sidelined, and tight end Tyler Higbee had a big game in the Sunday night loss to the Denver Broncos. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues who are considering picking up Konata Mumpfield after his big game in Week 3 should think twice with Nacua potentially returning this week. Nacua has quickly developed into one of the most lethal receivers in the league, so when he returns, he should immediately be thrown back into all starting fantasy lineups.
Sep 28, 2026 2:27 PM EST
Puka Nacua Will Not Play Versus Broncos in Week 3
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (hip) is inactive for Week 3's Sunday Night Football matchup with the Denver Broncos due to a hip injury, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN. It will be the second consecutive game that Nacua has missed. He did not practice during the week and was designated as doubtful entering Sunday. Nacua recorded five receptions for 74 yards in Week 1 versus the San Francisco 49ers, which was his only action of the 2026 season thus far. With Nacua out, quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Rams will rely on wide receivers Davante Adams, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, and others in the passing game.
Sep 27, 2026 3:22 PM EST
Puka Nacua Could Return Next Week, Surgery Still an Option
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) "could return as soon as next week against the Eagles," according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Functionally, Nacua is capable of playing, but he has lacked explosiveness while recovering from his injury. Schefter notes that the Rams believe this is a short-term injury and expect to see Nacua back sooner rather than later, but at the same time, they won't rule out the possibility of surgery if he doesn't recover as smoothly as expected. There still seems to be plenty of moving parts here, and Nacua's injury status is far from straightforward. The fact that the Rams have yet to rule out surgery is quite worrisome for fantasy managers, as any sort of operation would likely lead to an extended absence for the superstar receiver. Nacua caught five passes for 74 yards in Week 1, ranked as the overall WR1 in PPR leagues last year, and is a must-start in all formats when healthy. Davante Adams has stepped up as quarterback Matthew Stafford's favorite target in Nacua's absence.
Sep 27, 2026 5:09 AM EST
Puka Nacua Doubtful Headed Into Week 3 vs. Broncos
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is considered doubtful prior to Week 3's contest against the Broncos according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Nacua has a hip injury that kept him out Week 2 against the Giants as well. Rams coach Sean McVay is hopeful for a Week 4 return for the talented wide receiver. Nakua was targeted nine times in Week 1's Australia game against the 49ers. He recorded five catches for 74 receiving yards. But his hip injury is a significant concern as he is set to miss his second straight week. He is one of the most talented wide receivers in the NFL but needs to return to full health before he can re-establish his connection with quarterback Matthew Stafford. Davante Adams filled in in a big way for Nacua last week and tight end Terrance Ferguson had a nice game as well.
Sep 26, 2026 6:42 AM EST
Puka Nacua Doubtful to Play on Sunday Night
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) will not practice on Friday and is being listed as doubtful for the Sunday Night Football game against the Denver Broncos in Week 3, according to Stu Jackson of the team's official website. Nacua injured his groin in practice last week and did not play in the Monday night win over the New York Giants, and now he is set to miss a second straight game after not recovering very well this week. With Nacua out in Week 2, veteran wideout Davante Adams went off for over 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while second-year tight end Terrance Ferguson also saw a bigger role and found the end zone for the first time in 2026. Adams will obviously have a bigger target share yet again this weekend with Nacua out again, but it might not be as fruitful of a performance fantasy-wise if the Broncos lock star cornerback Patrick Surtain II on him all game. It remains to be seen if Nacua will be ready to return for the team's Week 4 contest in Philadelphia against the Eagles next Sunday, Oct. 4.
Sep 25, 2026 10:12 AM EST
Puka Nacua Missing Another Practice
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) was not at practice during the portion open to the media on Thursday, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN. Nacua did not practice on Wednesday either, and coming off a missed game in the Monday night win over the New York Giants, the 25-year-old is very questionable to suit up on Sunday night in Week 3 on the road against the Denver Broncos. He will certainly need to get back on the field on Friday to have any shot at being active on Sunday. Head coach Sean McVay is not concerned that Nacua's injury is a long-term one, but he has not made great progress so far this week and is trending towards missing a second straight game. Fantasy managers will have another difficult decision if he is a game-time decision once again in Denver, but the way things are trending, it seems more likely that Nacua will miss another game. Veteran Davante Adams went over 100 yards with two touchdowns with Nacua sidelined on Monday, and second-year tight end Terrance Ferguson also got more involved and found the end zone.
Sep 24, 2026 2:07 PM EST
Puka Nacua "Not Making Great Progress" for Week 3
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) is not trending in the right direction to return in Week 3's matchup with the Broncos, according to what coach Sean McVay told ESPN Los Angeles. McVay was very candid, stating, "He's not making great progress" when asked about Nacua's recovery. Without Puka in Week 2, Davante Adams went off with 195 yards and two touchdowns, and he will be in a prime position for another big game against the Broncos on Sunday Night Football if Nacua is unable to return. Tight end Terrance Ferguson also gets a big bump if Nacua is out, since he ranked second on the team with six catches on nine targets for 54 yards and a touchdown. Ferguson will be a starting TE option in most leagues if Nacua is unable to return this week. Nacua could still make a surprising return to practice before the end of the week, but a Week 4 return against the Eagles looks like the more likely scenario.
Sep 24, 2026 5:58 AM EST
Rams Unsure if Puka Nacua Will Play in Week 3
The Los Angeles Rams are only doing a jog-through practice on Wednesday after playing on Monday night in Week 2, but they are estimating no practice for star wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin), according to Nate Atkins of The Athletic. Head coach Sean McVay is not yet sure whether Nacua will play on Sunday Night Football in Week 3 on the road against the Denver Broncos. The good news for fantasy managers is that McVay is not concerned about it being a long-term injury. The Rams' No. 1 wideout tweaked his groin in practice last week and was unavailable for the Monday night win over the New York Giants, in which WR2 Davante Adams stole the show with over 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The 25-year-old Nacua will need to get back on the practice field on Thursday or Friday to have a shot at playing in Denver. Even though the Rams do not think the former fifth-rounder's injury is very serious, it does not mean he will play on Sunday night. The timing of the primetime game, just like in Week 2, makes the decision whether to start Nacua this week a difficult one again. Hopefully, we will have a better idea of his Week 3 status by the end of the week.
Sep 23, 2026 1:24 PM EST
Rams "Hopeful" Puka Nacua Can Play in Week 3
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) remains uncertain for Week 3 after sitting out Monday night's win over the Giants. Head coach Sean McVay said Tuesday that he is hopeful Nacua can play Sunday night against Denver, according to Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times, but added that he isn't sure of his status yet. Nacua missed the final two practices last week after groin soreness surfaced following Thursday's session and was inactive Monday. The Rams officially listed the issue as a hip injury, while McVay has described it as soreness in Nacua's groin. McVay said the Rams will play him if he's ready and continue without him if he isn't.
Sep 22, 2026 7:45 AM EST
Puka Nacua Ruled Out for Monday Night Football
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) is officially inactive for the Monday night contest in Week 2 against the visiting New York Giants, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Rams offense will be without their top playmaker as they look to win their first game of the 2026 season on Monday night. Fantasy managers who rolled the dice and left Nacua in their lineups in Week 2 will now be forced to hit up the waiver wire to add a Rams or Giants receiver. The 25-year-old Nacua caught five of nine targets for 74 yards in the season-opening loss to the division-rival San Francisco 49ers in Australia before tweaking his groin in practice last week. The Rams have decided to err on the side of caution and sit the two-time Pro Bowler in Week 2, and it remains to be seen if he will be ready to go in Week 3 for another primetime matchup on Sunday Night Football on the road against the Denver Broncos. With Nacua out on Monday night, veteran Davante Adams should be peppered with targets, while the Rams could also lean heavily on their tight end group of Terrance Ferguson, Colby Parkinson, and Tyler Higbee. Receivers Konata Mumpfield and Tutu Atwell are probably the best bets for desperate fantasy managers hitting the waiver wire for a body.
Sep 21, 2026 2:59 PM EST
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