Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua dominated in 2024 before he was struck down by injuries. This season is in line for at least a lesser version of that. The Los Angeles Rams ruled Nacua out for their Week 7 battle against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, leaving them needing to lean on plan B.
That’s bad news for Nacua after a positive update days prior, but beneficial news for a few key players on the roster in the short term. Nacua’s absence could set up the team for years to come. Here’s a look at three implications of Nacua missing Week 7.
Cook, Davante Adams, Cook
Davante Adams has been a key part of the Los Angeles Rams’ offense this season, but now he will have much more on his shoulders without Puka Nacua around. It will be up to Adams to break through double teams against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
If he can, the Los Angeles Rams will be set up beautifully down the stretch as a passing offense that can’t be stopped.
However, suppose he can’t deliver on a similar level without Nacua to keep defenses honest. In that case, it will give Puka Nacua much more negotiating power when it’s time to review his contract, which could be sooner than one realizes.
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More Work For Rams RB Kyren Williams
Kyren Williams is likely to see an uptick in carries against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London without Puka Nacua. Sean McVay will have to hope the running back can shoulder the workload while keeping his fumble tendencies in check.
The Jaguars are not the pushover they’ve been in recent years, and an unfocused team could be met with disaster.
This might be the push to get McVay to try out Jarquez Hunter, the rookie running back who is still looking to record his first carry. Blake Corum’s status is up in the air, so the stars might be aligning for Hunter to see the offensive side of the ball.
Tutu Atwell’s Time To Shine
If Davante Adams doesn’t deliver enough to cover Puka Nacua’s absence, it could be Tutu Atwell’s final big chance to win over the Los Angeles Rams. According to Spotrac, Atwell is in the only year of his one-year deal.
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If Nacua comes back in Week 9 after the bye and Adams stays healthy, there won’t be any room for the receiver to show what he’s got.
If Atwell has a big game against the Jaguars, it could be his main selling point going into negotiations with the Rams or elsewhere.
Atwell is buried well enough on the Rams’ depth chart that he could go unfound next offseason. For all intents and purposes, the receiver’s career could essentially be decided against the Jaguars.