Is Puka Nacua playing today? Full injury update for the LA Rams impressive WR

There is no question that second-year WR Puka Nacua is a custom fit for this LA Rams offense. He does it all, and does it all well. After setting the All-Time NFL Rookie Receiver Records in 2023, the only thing that seems capable of stopping him is injury.

But so far, injuries are winning,

Nacua has only competed twice in seven games this season. He opened against the Detroit Lions on the road in Week 1 but aggravated a knee injury and did not finish the game. He returned in time to help lead the team over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8 and was one of the offensive stars of the game.

In his first game back for the team, he hauled in seven of nine passes for 106 receiving yards. That is a fantastic way to announce to the NFL that he is back. But euphoria and jubilation quickly turned to despair and disbelief after news surfaced that he had aggravated his knee injury for a third time this season.

That came at the worst possible time. The Rams, coming off two consecutive wins, hoped to build upon that success and try to find their first victory on the road against an all-too-familiar foe in the Seattle Seahawks.

But the Rams final injury report put a damper on those optimistic projections. While a medical examination concluded that Nacua's knee did not suffer structural damage, he remains questionable to suit up and compete in Week 9. That could be a problem, as the offense clearly ran through him in the team's Week 8 win. Nacua will almost certainly play a huge part in the team's offensive output in Week 9 as well.

If he can play, that is.

Is Puka Nacua playing today?

The news about Puka Nacua has been increasingly positive. He did indeed make the trip to Seattle to face the Seahawks. After the team ruled out any soft-tissue damage to his knee, the tone of Nacua's status has softened, and per NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the team is expected to have him in the game today.

That means that he will be on the football field in Week 9. So what should Rams fans and Fantasy Football GMs expect from Nacua? Conventional wisdom dictates caution, as the Rams need Nacua upright and healthy for the rest of the season to remain competitive. So, a managed workload in terms of offensive snaps and targets would be the safe bet here.

But you could say the same thing about his status for Week 8, and this team did not hesitate to reroute passes his way, making him the offensive workhorse. If you need to go with a guy, you may want to pick up an insurance policy in Demarcus Robinson. Robinson clearly benefits from playing behind both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, and is very effective in the Red Zone. Robinson put up two touchdowns in Week 8.

It appears that all signs are pointing to Puka Nacua playing against the Seattle Seahawks. But for how big of a role, that is anyone's guess.

Thanks for reading.

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