Rams Wide Receiver Puka Nacua Becomes Central Figure After Davante Adams Injury

Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase described Puka Nacua as a player who consistently finds ways to make plays, a trait that has become essential since wide receiver Davante Adams was placed on injured list. Adams suffered a severe hamstring problem during a 18-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on October 18. Since that date, Nacua has served as the primary target in the passing attack during victories over the Las Vegas Raiders and the San Diego Chargers.

In those two games, Nacua was targeted 22 times. He caught 19 passes for 148 yards and scored two touchdowns. These statistics show his increased role compared to the rest of the receiving corps. Tutu Atwell recorded two receptions, Konata Mumpfield had one, and Jordan Whittington did not catch a pass during the same span.

Scheelhaase noted that Nacua’s versatility is a strength rather than a liability. The coordinator said Nacua makes plays on the outside, underneath, and after the catch. He also highlighted Nacua’s ability to secure the ball in the running game. "I mean, Puka is just one of those guys who finds a way to make plays over and over again," Scheelhaase said. "And whether it's downfield, whether it's underneath, whether it's getting yards after the catch, whether it's getting the ball in his hands in the run game, he's found a way to make plays since he's been in the NFL, and certainly before that."

The team's shift toward multiple tight end formations over the last two seasons has limited the roles of Atwell, Mumpfield, and Whittington. This structural change also reflects how well Nacua adapts to the demands of head coach Sean McVay's system. Nacua can attack deep defenses, run routes in the middle of the field, and gain yards after the catch on screen passes.

Nacua also functions as a runner near the goal line and in short-yardage situations. On running plays, he often lines up in the backfield to act as a blocker. His presence creates a physical obstacle that prevents defenders from reaching running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum at the line of scrimmage.

Scheelhaase acknowledged that the team misses Nacua when he is not on the field for catching duties. However, the coordinator emphasized the value of Nacua's blocking and his ability to receive hands on jet sweep plays. "Even when we don't have Puka in a couple of those games, you miss seeing him catch the ball, but there are a lot of those in-line blocks in the run game, the ability to receive a handoff on a jet sweep," Scheelhaase said.