Battered Rams Puka injury forces desperate scramble

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 24, 2026

The Los Angeles Rams will likely be without key wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams for their upcoming game due to injuries, forcing the team to rely more heavily on their running game and tight ends. This shift increases the fantasy value of players like running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, as well as tight end Tyler Higbee, while managers may need to look outside the Rams for wide receiver replacements.

The Los Angeles Rams are facing significant challenges in their receiving corps ahead of their upcoming game, as injuries continue to sideline key players. Wide receiver Puka Nacua left practice early Thursday with a calf injury and is listed as questionable for the matchup, casting doubt on his availability. Nacua, who has already missed two games this season, is expected to be out again, prompting the team and fantasy football managers alike to prepare for his absence.

This setback compounds an existing injury to star receiver Davante Adams, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury projected to keep him out for six to ten weeks. The loss of both Adams and Nacua forces the Rams to adjust their offensive approach, likely increasing reliance on the running game.

The Rams are scheduled to face the Las Vegas Raiders, a defense that ranks among the bottom ten against running backs, which could benefit Los Angeles’ ground attack. Running back Kyren Williams remains a fixture in the lineup and fantasy rosters, but additional carries can be expected for backup Blake Corum, who may present a lower-risk option as a flex player for fantasy teams this week.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford will still be required to deliver passes, but with the top wide receivers sidelined, tight ends stand to gain a larger share of targets. Tyler Higbee emerges as the primary beneficiary, being the only non-leading receiver on the roster with double-digit targets this season. Higbee is anticipated to rank among the top 6 to 8 tight ends in terms of fantasy relevance for the week. Meanwhile, fellow tight end Colby Parkinson may serve as a contingency or value pick but is regarded as more of a desperation option.

The lack of viable wide receiver options within the Rams’ current lineup is notable. Konata Mumpfield leads the remaining healthy wide receivers but has only recorded eight targets over six games, a figure that surpasses the combined total of other healthy options like Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington, and Alex Bachman, all of whom have limited to no receptions.

Given the paucity of productive wide receivers on the Rams, fantasy managers may need to seek replacements from outside the team. Potential waiver wire options include Omar Cooper Jr., KC Concepcion, Keenan Allen, Christian Kirk (currently managing a calf injury), Brandin Cooks, Ja’Kobi Lane, and Ryan Flournoy. Many of these players could already be claimed, but acquiring one may be essential to fill the void left by Nacua.

As the Rams navigate these injuries, fantasy football managers are advised to secure possible replacements now and reassess the situation during next week’s waiver period when the extent of Nacua’s absence becomes clearer. Without suitable alternatives, the team’s and fantasy owners' options remain limited, underscoring the significant impact of these injuries.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.