Puka Nacua Injury Scare Highlights Rams’ Biggest Roster Concern

The Los Angeles Rams have one of the best rosters in the NFL as they head into the 2026 season. However, if there is one major question on the roster, it’s the wide receiver depth behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Given Nacua’s injury history and Adams’ age, the Rams will likely need to rely on that depth at some point this season. That was already the case when Nacua left Tuesday’s joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys early. 

It’s very possible that the Rams lean into more 13 personnel this season. Colby Parkinson showed some reliability last season, but Terrance Ferguson is unproven in his second year. Additionally, Tyler Higbee hasn’t been the same since tearing his ACL and is getting older. 

Rams Still Lack a Proven Third Wide Receiver

The Rams also aren’t going to completely move away from using three wide receivers. They are going to need a reliable third wide receiver at some point. While Jordan Whittington has spent three years in the system and CJ Daniels has impressed during training camp, it would be hard to rely on either of them in big moments. The same can be said about Xavier Smith and Konata Mumpfield. 

Last season, the Rams lacked a third wide receiver. With the season on the line, they were forced to go to Mumpfield, who was a seventh-round rookie. That’s not to blame the NFC Championship loss on Mumpfield. However, it does show how their lack of wide receiver depth left them vulnerable in a big moment. 

Puka Nacua Injury Scare Highlights the Risk

There’s no doubt that Nacua is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. The Rams were likely being cautious when he left Tuesday’s joint practice with an injury. Nacua likely continues to play during an actual game. At the same time, Nacua’s physical play style makes him more susceptible to injuries. That also doesn’t account for the possibility that Nacua is suspended to start the season.

During the draft, the Rams had the opportunity to draft players like Makai Lemon or Denzel Boston. Instead, they took a quarterback in Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. The Rams didn’t necessarily make the wrong choice by taking Simpson. It made sense that they took Simpson, given that Lemon or Boston would have been the third wide receiver in the offense at best. The Rams also don’t want to be relying on young, inexperienced players in a Super Bowl season. 

However, that’s exactly where the Rams would be if Nacua or Adams were to go down with an injury. The 2026 season is too big for the Rams to rely on inexperienced depth. 

Why Adding a Veteran WR Makes Sense

This is a team that already missed out on signing Stefon Diggs. While Diggs may have been a fit for what the Rams need, it’s possible they learned from the DeSean Jackson situation in 2021. Jackson was sold a bigger role in free agency than he got, and the two sides ended up going their separate ways midseason. 

Even if the Rams don’t see Tyreek Hill as a fit, Brandin Cooks and Keenan Allen are both free agents. Cooks has played in a complementary role over the last few years of his career. Allen was basically the third wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers last year as both Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey each had a higher snap count than Allen. 

It’s possible that the Rams are waiting to see what Aaron Donald does before making any other additions to the roster. The Rams have around $15.3 million and will need that when they begin working out Donald’s contract. However, once that is settled, taking another look at the roster before the regular season begins would be beneficial. 

The Rams offense has the ability to scheme players open. However, the biggest question mark on the roster remains the wide receiver depth. It’s one thing that could cost them and the Rams got a glimpse of that on Tuesday when Nacua left the joint practice against the Cowboys. The Rams don’t need to make a splashy trade or bring in someone who expects a significant role. However, adding a veteran would give the offense another reliable option and address one of the biggest needs on the roster. 

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