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When will Puka Nacua return and play? Will Puka Nacua be back again this season? Read the latest Puka Nacua injury updates and return date for Week 8 (2025).
After a historic rookie season in 2023 where he shattered rookie receiving records, Puka Nacua carried elite WR1 value heading into 2025 drafts as he was projected to maintain his role as one of the league's most prolific pass-catchers.
However, in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens, Nacua exited the game with an ankle injury while attempting to catch a touchdown pass in the end zone.
When will Nacua return to action, and what is his fantasy football outlook when he does? Let's dive in.
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Puka Nacua Injury Update
Following the Rams' Week 6 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Nacua landed awkwardly while leaping for a pass in the end zone. Though he initially returned to the game in the second half, he was limited and did not record any additional stats.
He missed the following week's matchup in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and with Week 8 being the Rams' bye week, he'll have at least one more week to get healthy. The Rams head coach, Sean McVay, has expressed optimism about Nacua's recovery and expects him to return for Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints.
Puka Nacua - How worried should you be? pic.twitter.com/xnXc1i2XOX
— Jesse Morse, M.D. (@DrJesseMorse) October 23, 2025
"He's making good progress. I am very optimistic about hopefully having him ready after the bye. I think it'll serve him well, and I have confidence in our other receivers to be able to step up," McVay said.
Emphasizing the importance of Nacua being fully ready before returning, McVay noted that there's "a difference between return to play, return to performance."
Puka Nacua Fantasy Football Outlook
Before the injury, Nacua was having a dominant start to the 2025 season. Through the first five games, he set an NFL record with 52 receptions while leading the league in catches and targets (65). He had accumulated 616 receiving yards (third in the NFL) and two touchdowns, averaging an elite 7.2 receptions and 90 yards per game.
Through one month, Puka Nacua has been the best offensive player in football. pic.twitter.com/P7m58CdwrK
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) September 29, 2025
Nacua was on pace to break the single-season receiving records for both yards and receptions. His 3.7 yards per route run led the league, showcasing his dominance in McVay's offense.
During Nacua's absence in Week 7, veteran Davante Adams took over as the primary receiving option for quarterback Matthew Stafford. Adams, who joined the Rams this season after a trade from the Raiders, will continue to handle significant volume while Nacua is out.
Receivers Jordan Whittington and Tutu Atwell saw increased opportunities, though neither has emerged as a reliable fantasy option. Whittington has just 10 catches for 112 yards on the season, while Atwell has four catches for 161 yards and a touchdown on limited snaps.
When Nacua returns in Week 9, he should immediately reclaim his role as the Rams' primary receiving weapon and Stafford's favorite target. The matchup against the Saints is favorable, as New Orleans' pass defense has struggled throughout the season.
Fantasy managers in all formats should feel confident starting Nacua upon his return, assuming he practices fully during the week leading up to Week 9. His target share (31.7% before injury) and elite production should resume almost immediately, given his chemistry with Stafford and central role in McVay's offense.
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Who Should I Start? Who Should I Sit? Some common Week 8 fantasy football lineup decisions are regarding players like Rico Dowdle, Tez Johnson, Romeo Doubs, Wan'Dale Robinson, and Woody Marks. But not to worry, we are here to help make these decisions and build winning lineups in Week 8. Set your optimal fantasy football lineups for Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season. Our free Who Should I Start? tool will help make your fantasy football lineup decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and we tell you who to start... all free! Get your winning lineups set, and make the right decisions.
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Popular Week 8 Searches - Start/Sit Player Comparisons
Below are some popular Week 8 searches and comparisons from our 'Who To Start' tool for Rico Dowdle, Tez Johnson, Romeo Doubs, Wan'Dale Robinson, and Woody Marks compared to others:
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