Lots of people had the Los Angeles Rams as a rising energy within the NFC when the 2024 NFL season began, and a few even felt they might turn out to be a darkish horse Tremendous Bowl contender.
However after their opening evening loss in additional time to the Detroit Lions, there’s now a cloud hovering over them.
Vast receiver Puka Nacua, who blossomed as a star final 12 months as a rookie, reaggravated a knee damage within the first half, resulting in him being positioned on the injured reserve listing, which suggests he should miss a minimal of the subsequent 4 video games.
Nevertheless, Rams head coach Sean McVay lately delivered some extra unhealthy information when he mentioned Nacua could possibly be sidelined longer than that, in keeping with Ari Meirov of The thirty third Workforce.
#Rams HC Sean McVay mentioned WR Puka Nacua might find yourself lacking greater than the minimal 4 weeks on IR. The identical goes for C/G Steve Avila and OT Joe Noteboom, who have been additionally positioned on IR. pic.twitter.com/wDFuW1jBtj
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 11, 2024
Not a lot was anticipated from Nacua as a fifth-round choose within the 2023 NFL Draft out of Brigham Younger College.
However he caught 105 passes for 1,486 yards and 6 touchdowns, rating fourth within the NFL in receiving yards, which resulted in him ending second within the balloting for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the 12 months award, behind Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Earlier than leaving the sport towards the Lions, he made 4 catches for 35 yards.
The Rams ought to have sufficient offensive depth to stay aggressive whereas Nacua recovers, as broad receiver Cooper Kupp made 14 receptions for 110 yards and a landing, and operating again Kyren Williams ran for 50 yards and a landing in Week 1.
However their schedule will quickly get tougher, with upcoming video games towards the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3, the Chicago Bears in Week 4 and the Inexperienced Bay Packers in Week 5 earlier than their bye in Week 6.
