Fantasy drafts are here, and many managers are excited to select Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua after his historic rookie season.
However, a recent knee injury has some fantasy managers concerned. What’s the latest on Nacua’s injury status, and should you still spend a top pick on the star wideout?
The Latest On Puka Nacua’s Health
In early August, Rams WR Puka Nacua sustained a knee injury during a joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers. Nacua has missed most of the preseason practice period with a knee injury that McVay described as “a little bit of a bursa sac, kind of burst it.”
But as we hoped all preseason, Nacua looks good to go for Week 1. Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters that Nacua “will be ready to roll,” which largely confirms what he said right at the outset of the injury, downplaying any long-term concerns.
There never really seemed to be any concern that Nacua would miss time, and accordingly, we have not seen his ADP dip much this preseason.
Nacua is back practicing fully, and there should be no concerns about him seeing a full workload in Week 1. Fantasy managers should be comfortable drafting him and starting him as normal.
Puka Nacua’s Fantasy Outlook
Nacua had an outstanding rookie season, finishing with 105 receptions for 1,486 yards on 160 targets. He ranked fourth in receiving yards, sixth in targets, and eighth in receptions, making him an elite fantasy asset in 2023.
Some may attribute Nacua’s early-season success to Cooper Kupp’s absence due to injury, as his fantasy points per game dropped from 23.9 in Weeks 1-4 to 15.6 after Kupp returned. However, Nacua continued to produce at a high level even with Kupp in the lineup, showcasing his ability to maintain relevance in the Rams’ offense.
While Nacua set the bar high in his rookie season, there’s room for improvement in 2024. His ability to excel against zone coverage and generate yards after the catch gives him a solid floor. Additionally, Kupp’s injury history could elevate Nacua’s role, making him a WR1 if Kupp misses time.
Nacua is firmly entrenched as a 1A/1B option in the Rams’ passing attack. His utilization by Sean McVay ensures a high weekly floor, with an elite ceiling in a pass-heavy offense, making him a valuable fantasy asset heading into 2024.
Nacua’s current ADP of 14th overall as the WR7 places him as a late first-round or early second-round pick. In full PPR formats, this price point is justified given his proven production. However, in standard or half-PPR formats, his value may be slightly lower, as he remains the second option behind Kupp in the red zone.