Rams could survive a Puka Nacua suspension by turning to familiar formula

Uncertainty about Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua is descending on him like a pea-soup spring morning fog. Even as his immediate availability is subject to a potential suspension, he is now dealing with an injury. Fortunately, head coach Sean McVay confirmed Thursday that it was only soreness, and that Nacua should return to practice next week.

Of course, none of that changes the fact that he is entering the last year of his rookie contract, with no extension in place.

It seems as though the walls are closing in on Nacua's promising start to another season. Even although he can single-handedly will his team to victory, he cannot outrun any discipline forthcoming from the league due to his offseason extracurriculars.

If Nacua is suspended, LA will have to find success without its star playmaker in Week 1, and perhaps beyond? As luck would have it, fans got a sneak preview of how the Rams might do so from Week 7 last season.

In that game, the Horns demolished a very good Jacksonville Jaguars team, 35 to 7. Matthew Stafford connected three times with Davante Adams in the end zone, once with rookie receiver Konata Mumpfield, and once with rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson. Can the 2026 offense repeat that formula with Nacua potentially sidelined?

Rams tight ends can shoulder the burden of any Puka Nacua absence

Last year's group overcame both Nacua's absence in Week 7 and Adams' absence in three games down the stretch by pivoting to tight ends. Rams TEs really started producing once the offense leaned into 12- and 13- personnel midseason. In hindsight, it's fair to say that Nacua's absence versus Jacksonville forced the offense to transform.

If you suspected the Rams' reliance on heavy personnel was a passing fancy, you would have been shocked when they drafted Max Klare. And with Klare on board, the Rams' laid bare their intentions for all to see. If anything, they're doubling down on a tight-end-centric offense.

For his part, Adams thrives in multiple tight-end formations. After struggling to connect with Stafford his production surged after the schematic shift. That continued until was sidelined by hamstring injuries late in the year.

No team can absorb the loss of its top playmaker and roll along seamlessly. But LA can be confident that its tight ends are fully equipped to handle the burden of producing until Nacua is back in action. That should help fans through uncertain days ahead as well.

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