The Los Angeles Rams are dealing with yet another injury just five weeks ahead of the start of what looks to be a difficult schedule to open the regular season.
While ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s source called wideout Puka Nacua’s injury “not serious,” Rams fans saw last year just how long injuries can linger into the start of a campaign.
Nacua’s co-star — 2021 AP Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp — suffered a hamstring injury last summer that cost him the first four games of the 2023 season. Nacua soaked up the targets and stepped up big time in Kupp’s absence, beginning his NFL career with 39 receptions for 501 yards and one touchdown on 52 looks over the four contests.
Los Angeles started 2-2, however, before Kupp was activated off injured reserve ahead of Week 5.
Nacua finished last season by setting the new rookie single-season record for receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486). He was a Pro Bowler, earned second team All-Pro honors and was the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year runner-up as well.
Depending on how the rest of training camp goes, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford’s offense could be severely shorthanded going into Week 1.
According to an ESPN report, Los Angeles is also currently without three of the five starting members of its offensive line. Left guard Jonah Jackson and right tackle Rob Havenstein are both listed as week-to-week with shoulder and ankle ailments, respectively, while left tackle Alaric Jackson is dealing with an ankle issue as well.
On defense, projected starting cornerback Darious Williams is recovering from a hamstring strain.
The Rams have their first of three preseason games on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. Los Angeles has three of its first four regular season games on the road, including a Week 1 “Sunday Night Football” showdown at the Detroit Lions on Sept. 8.
The lone home September contest for Stafford’s squad comes in Week 3 vs. the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 22.
