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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay announced that star wide receiver Puka Nacua will be sidelined for a significant amount of time due to an MCL and PCL sprain, alongside turf toe. The injury leaves a massive void for both the Rams and Fantasy Football managers, as Nacua has averaged 13.3 targets, 10 catches, 102.1 receiving yards, and 24.8 PPR points per game.
Finding Replacements Outside Los Angeles
Relying on the Rams’ current depth chart to replicate Nacua’s production carries risks. When Nacua missed five games in the 2024 season, the offense struggled, averaging 18.8 points per game while running the ball on 44% of plays, and secondary receivers like Tutu Atwell failed to fill the massive shoes. Furthermore, tight end Terrance Ferguson remains out for another couple of weeks with a hamstring injury sustained in practice, and Davante Adams is not expected to return until Week 12 at the earliest.
Fantasy managers should therefore look to other teams around the league for temporary wide receiver help. The primary goal is to acquire a dependable starter who can average roughly six targets per week, ideally paired with a capable quarterback on a pass-heavy offense.
Receivers to Trade For
Carnell Tate of the Titans should return healthy following his bye week, having earned at least six targets in four of his past five games. Cam Ward has shown gradual progress, and Tate remains a top trade target who should not command a high price. Jalen Coker of the Panthers acts as a short-area outlet for Bryce Young and features a mostly favorable schedule ahead of the late-season weeks, making him an affordable acquisition due to recent quiet statistics. Jordyn Tyson of the Saints posted a 31.3% target-per-route run rate in his debut and should cement himself as the team’s clear second option in the passing game given their lacking run game.
Denzel Boston of the Browns has secured at least seven targets in five of his past six games and boasts nine red-zone targets, though quarterback play limits his ultimate ceiling. His teammate, KC Concepcion, relies more on short screens and slants, offering a lower floor but strong yards-after-catch potential once Cleveland’s schedule opens up after their Week 11 bye. For managers willing to spend heavily, proven options like Nico Collins and Garrett Wilson represent elite targets if roster managers are open to reasonable deals.
Receivers to Add Off Waivers
Tank Dell of the Texans drew nine targets despite a limited route rate in a recent blowout win, cementing his role as a favorite deep threat for C.J. Stroud as Houston chases a playoff berth. Makai Lemon of the Eagles comes with a Week 10 bye, but the team’s struggling defense points toward a pass-heavy approach moving forward. Caleb Douglas appears to be emerging as the primary receiver for a pass-leaning Miami Dolphins offense despite upcoming difficult matchups.
Adonai Mitchell of the Jets endured a scoreless outing against the Chiefs, but Geno Smith continues to look his way frequently following a standout performance the week prior. Tutu Atwell returns to the Rams with familiarity from the coaching staff, having previously stepped in during Nacua’s absence in 2024. Finally, streaming candidates such as Ryan Flournoy, Demario Douglas, Jordan Watkins, Mack Hollins, and Xavier Hutchinson offer additional deep-league depth.
