Potential Puka Nacua ban thrusts Rams' WR battle under even greater scrutiny

NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that he believes Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua could be suspended to start the season due to his offseason extracurriculars. Losing Nacua for their high-stakes Week 1 clash with the 49ers would, of course, be bad news for the Rams.

That possibility also ups the pressure - and creates additional opportunities - for young receivers to gain standing during the preseason.

Los Angeles is still searching for a third option behind Nacua and Davante Adams. One of Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith or rookie CJ Daniels will have to separate from the rest to earn that role. Right now, there isn't a clear leader in the clubhouse.

But with Nacua's Week 1 status uncertain, it's more critical than ever that the Rams find someone to step up as WR3. Against San Francisco, that receiver could become the second option if Nacua sits. In turn, whoever establishes himself as a WR4 would be elevated to Matthew Stafford's third option.

Nacua's uncertain status ups stakes for Rams receivers

Let's say Nacua is suspended. The offense then will depend on Adams, whatever it can get from younger receivers, and a well-stocked tight-end room. That's a workable formula, as the Rams demonstrated when Nacua missed last season's Week 7 London game against Jacksonville. 

But the 49ers will be a tougher opponent, and defenses have had all offseason to scheme against the wave of heavy personnel sets the Rams popularized. Whether or not Nacua misses Week 1, they'll need someone to emerge as WR3 at some point for the offense to reach its full potential.

That makes the preseason competition even more crucial. Will Whittington rebound after a disappointing sophomore season? Will Mumpfield build on his rookie-year momentum?

Can Smith re-write his script after a poor training camp? What about Daniels - is he all that Rams fans hope?

What was already going to be one of the more important battles, if not the most important of the Rams' preseason, will now invite even more scrutiny. While it's concerning for us fans, it could be a motivating jolt for Rams receivers. 

Whoever comes out on top could be WR2 for a game or few to start the season, depending on the length of any ban Nacua incurs. Moreover, Nacua's absence would create another opening further down the depth chart. 

The reality may be that the Rams opt for a by-committee approach in the receiver room, focusing more heavily on Adams and their tight ends. Perhaps it's unrealistic to expect the preseason to produce a capable frontrunner in a group for whom Smith's 303 receiving yards last season leads the pack. 

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