Puka Nacua hurts ribs, shoulder

Rams WR Puka Nacua injured his ribs and shoulder on a diving catch in the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Browns. He's officially questionable to return. Stay tuned for an update.

Update: Nacua returned for the start of the second half.

Rams HC Sean McVay announced Wednesday that certain starters won't play at all in the regular-season finale. He did not include WR Puka Nacua in that group. So what's the plan? Nacua sits 3 receptions and 28 yards shy of NFL rookie records in both categories. And it sounds like McVay wants to get him there. "I think you'd like to be able to see him get an opportunity to do something special and then be smart with him," the coach told reporters Wednesday. What's that mean? Expect Nacua to get early opportunities to reach those marks. And as soon as that happens, expect the team's leader in targets, catches, and receiving yards (by wide margins) to hit the bench. A 3-30 receiving line doesn't offer much fantasy help, so we'd lean away from playing Nacua in Week 18 lineups if you can help it. WRs Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell and TE Davis Allen look like the best receiving bets for the Rams this week -- though we're all basically guessing at exactly how the Carson Wentz-led offense will look.

Rams WR Puka Nacua secured 5 of 8 targets for a team-leading 118 receiving yards in Week 17 vs. the Giants. The rookie is beginning to close in on making his 2023 campaign historic in nature. Nacua is just 28 yards shy of breaking the rookie receiving yards record (1,473) set by Oilers WR Bill Groman in 1960 and only 3 catches away from Jaylen Waddle’s rookie receptions record (104) from 2021. He’s got a strong shot at hurdling these marks in Week 18 vs. the 49ers and is in a tremendous position moving forward. Despite the uncertain long-term future of QB Matthew Stafford (who will be 36 in 2024), Nacua established himself as a dominant force and currently ranks seventh among WRs with 17.8 PPR points per game. You’re walking into next season feeling pretty good about your dynasty team if you roster Nacua.

Rams WR Puka Nacua (hip) is active for today’s game vs. the Giants. He missed Friday's practice with what HC Sean McVay called hip tightness but never seemed to be in danger of missing this one. Nacua is safe to keep in Week 17 fantasy lineups.

Rams WR Puka Nacua (hip) is expected to play vs. the Giants today, ESPN's Adam Schefter confirms. Nacua is listed as questionable after missing Friday's practice with what HC Sean McVay labeled hip "tightness." But McVay also said that he fully expected Nacua to play. We're not projecting the hip to be a factor today.

Rams WR Puka Nacua (hip) is listed as questionable for this weekend's game vs. the Giants. He missed Friday's practice with what HC Sean McVay called hip tightness. McVay also said that Nacua should be fine for Sunday's game. He can stay penciled into Week 17 fantasy lineups for now. We'll get the Rams' inactives around 11:30 am ET on Sunday.