NFL Rumors: Puka Nacua's Knee Injury Not Serious; Status for Rams vs. Seahawks TBD

Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Puka Nacua's availability in Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks, as the Los Angeles Rams wide receiver left practice on Thursday with a knee injury.

According to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic, Nacua wasn't able to participate in his weekly press conference after suffering a knee injury and was listed as "limited" on Los Angeles' Thursday injury report. It's the same knee that previously caused him to miss five games this season, per Rodrigue.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Nacua's knee injury is "not believed to be serious." Nacua will be listed as questionable heading into Sunday's game, head coach Sean McVay told reporters on Friday.

Nacua dealt with knee issues in training camp before aggravating the injury during the Rams' 26-20 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 1. He was diagnosed with a PCL sprain and subsequently placed on injured reserve, missing each of the team's next five contests.

Los Angeles struggled in his absence, finishing with a 2-3 record while missing the Pro Bowl receiver.

Nacua made his return in Week 8 and didn't show many signs of rust during a 30-20 victory over the Detroit Lions, hauling in seven of his nine targets for a team-high 106 yards. He appeared to be in line for a larger role moving forward, as he was on the field for just 57 percent of the Rams' offensive snaps in his first game back (h/t Pro Football Reference).

The 23-year-old was a breakout fantasy performer as a rookie, recording 105 receptions for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns in 2023. Los Angeles made a surprise playoff appearance and Nacua finished No. 2 in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.

If he can't suit up against the Seahawks, Cooper Kupp should operate as Matthew Stafford's top target. For fantasy managers looking for a possible waiver replacement, Demarcus Robinson could be an option.

Robinson recorded 35 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions and is currently available in 89 percent of Yahoo leagues and 87 percent of ESPN leagues, via FantasyPros.

Nacua hasn't been ruled out of the Rams' upcoming clash with Seattle yet, but at the very least things seem iffy with 48 hours to go.