With WR Puka Nacua ruled out, which most unlikely LA Rams WR steps up for team

There are two facts about the LA Rams offense that must be taken into consideration for Week 2. First of all, the LA Rams have placed WR Puka Nacua on IR after aggravating his knee injury. So, for the next four games, and perhaps even beyond the team's Week 6 BYE, the offense must reroute his workload to other options on the team.

More importantly, the offense MUST find an alternative to simply targeting veteran WR Cooper Kupp 20+ times in a game. That's a heavy workload for an NFL running back, but it is completely unsustainable for an NFL receiver. the amount of work at that level of usage is the equivalent of two or more NFL games in one outing. Not just the need to be at the top of his game for the entire contest, but the wear and tear of all those starts, stops, pivots, and tackles takes a heavy toll on the player.

So who can the Rams count on in Week 2 to unburden starting WR Cooper Kupp, while taking on the burden of Nacua's targets in this one? For the Rams, WR Coach Eric Yarber will absolutely have this group prepared and ready to go:

Now the question is, who will step up?

(3) - Veteran WR Tyler Johnson

The first option on the Rams roster for Week 2 is veteran WR Tyler Johnson. Johnson stands 6-foot-1, weighs 208 pounds, and hauled in five of 7 targets in Week 1, including this sensational 63 yard reception:

While this is his second season with the team, he has already outperformed all of 2023. And with his phenomenal five of seven catches in Week 1, he has proven to be a dependable receiver whose role should increase in Week 2. He impressed everyone last week. Let's see how high his stock can rise with more work.

(2) - Rookie WR Jordan Whittington

While he was not actively used in the offense, rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington was involved in special teams as he returned one kickoff for 20 yards. While that is hardly a compelling argument for the team to get Whittington involved in the offense, the Rams strategically have plenty of reasons to get Whiittington christened with some targets in this game.

The Rams will face the Arizona Cardinals twice a season. It makes a lot of sense for Whittington to get work in Week 2, as any experience today will simply add to his value going forward. And it's clear that the Cardinals secondary is not prepared for a steady dose of Whittington in this one.

(1) - Veteran WR Demarcus Robinson

The LA Rams are almost certainly intending to make WR Demarcus Robinson more work in this one. Similar to WR Tyler Johnson, Robinson was targeted seven times, hauling in four catches for 42 receiveing yards. But the offense will need a great deal more out of Robinson in Week 2.

The Rams offense kept the Rams in the game in Week 1 with a lot of quick passes to receivers who collapsed their routes to allow Matthew Stafford to get rid of the football quickly. But the team will need to test the Cardinals defense in this one with deep routes.

The game is already underway, and the Rams are down by two touchdowns. Someone in this receiver room has to get hot instantly.

As always, thanks for reading.