Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or Puka Nacua

Wednesday, September 25, 9:22 PM

When asked about the status of wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring), Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales stated he would not need surgery. It's good news for the veteran wideout, who was placed on the team's injured reserve Tuesday due to a hamstring injury he picked up in Carolina's first win of the season. Before his exit in the second quarter, Thielen had modest production, reeling in 3-of-5 targets for 40 yards and a score. The touchdown -- a 31-yard reception -- is the play in which he injured himself. He'll now miss at least the team's next four matchups. Soft-tissue issues -- particularly hamstrings -- can linger, so it's best to exhibit caution when slotting him back into your lineup upon his return. In his stead, wide receivers Xavier Legette and Jonathan Mingo project to pick up some extra work. Carolina will look to get in the win column again when they host the visiting Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4.

Monday, October 14, 3:04 PM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) will not practice this week, per Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. Week 7 was the earliest possible period of return for Nacua after reaggravating a preseason knee injury in Week 1. Still, it's no surprise seeing him shelved longer after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that he'd likely be unavailable for 5-to-7 weeks. The Rams have dealt with a litany of injuries on both sides of the ball this year, but things could be looking up for the offense, with wide receiver Cooper Kupp slated to work with trainers today. However, the 23-year-old will have to wait at least one more week for his return -- and likely longer. If Kupp fails to be designated as active again, wideouts Jordan Whittington, Tutu Atwell, Demarcus Robinson, and Tyler Johnson will handle the pass-catching duties in the team's Week 7 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.