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Update, Sept. 23 — Nacua is going to be listed as questionable for Monday’s game against the Bengals, although head coach Sean McVay added he expects the emerging wide receiver to play. Nacua has been a fantasy star early in the season and he should be able to power through this injury once again and deliver a strong outing against a Bengals defense that has been suspect to start the year.
Sean McVay expects Puka Nacua to play Monday night, though he'll be listed as questionable.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) September 23, 2023
Update, Sept. 22 — Nacua was back at practice on Friday and as long as he doesn’t have a setback, he should be good to go for Monday night against the Bengals.
WR Puka Nacua back practicing, we’re limited to watching individuals so while I assume a status elevation can’t know for sure until injury report comes out later this afternoon.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) September 22, 2023
The Los Angeles Rams will take on the Cincinnati Bengals as part of the Week 3 Monday Night Football doubleheader. Players will have an extra day to prepare, and Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua may need it. He is starting the week not practicing and is dealing with an oblique injury. The good news is that head coach Sean McVay said that the expectation is that Nacua will be able to suit up.
Rams WR Puka Nacua (oblique) will not practice today, per Sean McVay, but they expect him to play in Monday's game vs. Cincinnati
— Adam Grosbard (@AdamGrosbard) September 21, 2023
Fantasy football implications for Week 3
Nacua has dominated his first two career games. He and Matthew Stafford have been on the same page as the rookie has stepped into Cooper Kupp’s shoes in the offense. Nacua has 25 receptions on 35 targets for 266 yards through two games. His target share has been unreal, and he typically benefits from Los Angeles not having a sustainable run game. If he is active, Nacua has become a must start until he has a dud.
If Nacua is inactive, then Tutu Atwell will likely see an increase in targets. He could be started in deeper leagues of at least 12 teams. Van Jefferson and Ben Skowronek could also be involved more, but they are too risky to rely on, especially with this game taking place on Monday night with fewer options to pivot to.