Fantasy Football Watch: Possible Replacements For Puka Nacua

The Los Angeles Rams received some tough news on Monday morning. It was revealed that star wide receiver Puka Nacua would be placed on the IR after aggravating a sprained knee in Sunday’s game against the Lions, and he will be forced to miss at least 4 games while he recovers.

Fantasy Football: Options For Replacing Puka Nacua In Your Lineup

For the Rams, it means that others will have to step up. Cooper Kupp is a few years removed from being a dominant receiving force, but he’ll become Matthew Stafford’s premier target going forward. DeMarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson should see an increase in targets as well.

But what about your fantasy team? Here are three guys who could be available in your league’s free agent pool who could be viable pickups to replace Nacua:

1. DeMarcus Robinson – Los Angeles Rams

Nacua’s own teammate is one of the more viable options. The 30-year-old veteran has some experience playing with Stafford, as he was targeted 39 times by the Rams’ offense in 2024 and caught 26 of them. His 4 receiving touchdowns were the third most on the team, and just 2 fewer than the leader.

He is owned in just 14.7% of leagues on ESPN, but that number will certainly change after waiver claims go through this week.

2. Romeo Doubs – Green Bay Packers

There are questions that surround the availability of quarterback Jordan Love for the Packers, so use caution around Green Bay pass catchers. But it doesn’t seem like the team believes they he’ll miss a significant amount of games, and we could see him back in a couple of weeks if everything goes smoothly.

Romeo Doubs, who is owned in 33.9% of ESPN leagues, could be a replacement option for Nacua. Jayden Reed had the big statistical night for the Packers in Week 1, but it was Doubs who had the most targets (7) of any Green Bay receiver.

One of the trio of Reed, Doubs, and Christian Watson is susceptible to a big game performance in any given week, and Doubs is currently the one that is most prevelantly available on fantasy free agent markets.

3. Adonai Mitchell – Indianapolis Colts

Mitchell had a slow start to the season with just one catch in the opening game, but he could be a sleeper for the Colts going forward.

Listed third on the wide receiver depth chart for Indianapolis, Mitchell was actually second in targets (5) in the opening game against the Texans, second only to Michael Pittman Jr (8). If quarterback Anthony Richardson continues his upward progression and starts to put up big numbers, Mitchell could be a benefactor, especially in a fantasy sense.

He is owned in just 33.1% of leagues heading into Week 2.