The Los Angeles Rams lost to the Detroit Lions 26–20 in Week 1, and now they find themselves in a 0–1 hole. Additionally, the team was forced to place wide receiver Puka Nacua on injury reserve for at least four weeks after he suffered a serious knee injury. Nacua’s August knee ailment has gotten worse, and this new injury could make him return to the starting lineup following the Week 6 bye. However, Cooper Kupp, a fellow wide receiver, has expressed faith in Tyler Johnson, Nacua’s backup, and the season is still early.
In Nacua’s absence, Johnson had stepped up and made five receptions for 79 yards, including a spectacular 63-yard reception. Kupp did not seem shocked by this performance.
He has repeatedly engaged in that behavior. Not at all surprised,” the WR stated, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Cooper Kupp as backup for Puka Nacua
Last season, Nacua broke rookie reception and receiving yardage records, so Johnson might feel pressured to step up in his place. But the backup’s performance just suggested that the squad had a lot of depth at the position.
Johnson also has championship experience; in 2021, he was a member of the Tampa Buccaneers, who won Super Bowl 55. Even though he was on the practice squad the previous season, he is still a valuable asset to an NFL team. Furthermore, Johnson and Demarcus Robinson, who joined Kupp in the top three, all performed admirably in filling in for their injured wide receiver on Sunday.
Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington are also members of the Rams. Even though neither player had a particularly strong performance against the Lions, Nacua’s injury could have a significant impact on both players’ circumstances. From Weeks 2 through 5, watch for them to gain more reps.
In Nacua’s absence last season, Atwell excelled, and he might still be the Rams’ top threat this year. A similar pace and physicality in his play, Whittington, a rookie, has impressed the squad during training camp and the preseason, raising the possibility that he could be another Puka Nacua.
In addition, head coach Sean McVay agreed with Cooper Kupp over Puka Nacua’s backups.
According to Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire, the coach remarked, “I was really proud of Tyler Johnson.” “I felt that Jordan Whittington made a few good contributions.” We are aware that Tutu Atwell is a man who can fill in and take on several roles. Sadly, or luckily, you have some consistency with that group this year compared to previous since Cooper was gone for most of it. Though a little different, we do have some depth here. I have faith that Puka and the other lads will seize their opportunities and perform admirably for the team.
In Week 2, the Rams take on the Arizona Cardinals, another team without a win, in an attempt to secure their first victory of the new campaign.
