Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua has been the best player at his position this season. He currently leads the league in receiving yards (616) and receptions (54) through six games. Unfortunately for the Rams’ offense, Nacua suffered an ankle injury in the Week 6 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter.

The star wide receiver will likely miss the Week 7 game in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Losing Nacua is a major blow to the offense, as he has been quarterback Matthew Stafford’s favorite target this season. However, the Rams have a strong replacement ready to fill his role this weekend: $44 million signing Davante Adams. Adams is the second-leading receiver for the Rams, with 396 receiving yards and tied for the team lead in touchdown receptions with three.

With Adams stepping in for Nacua in Week 7, other players will also need to step up to support the offense. One NFL writer has identified two key players who must elevate their performances against the Jaguars.

### Jordan Whittington

Puka Nacua accounts for roughly a third of Stafford’s passing yards, so losing him is a significant setback. Blaine Grisak of Turf Show Times has named Jordan Whittington as a player who needs to take on a bigger role in Nacua’s absence.

“This is the one that makes a lot of sense as for who will play in Nacua’s role in the offense if he misses time. Whittington is similarly built to Nacua and is able to do a lot of the same things. This isn’t to say that Whittington is going to dominate the target share or is as good as Nacua,” Grisak wrote. “However, in terms of a player who can play and succeed in that role in the offense, it’s most certainly Whittington.”

Whittington is currently the fifth most targeted receiver for the Rams this season, with 112 yards on receptions including a 40-yard catch. Although he has not seen many snaps so far due to the depth in the receiving corps and a strong running game, Whittington could have a breakout performance in London with Nacua sidelined.

### Tutu Atwell

Another player Grisak highlights is fifth-year receiver Tutu Atwell, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Rams this offseason. Without Nacua, Atwell becomes the most experienced wide receiver in the offense.

“While he doesn’t provide the blocking upside, he knows the offense better than most. While he had a slow start to the season, Atwell was starting to get more looks against the Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers,” Grisak noted. “When the Rams have been without Nacua and Kupp, it has been Atwell that has stepped up. Atwell will need to show that he is healthy, but in the past, he’s been the guy to step up when the situation has called for it.”

Atwell has been the third most productive receiver on the Rams this season, recording 164 receiving yards and one touchdown on just four catches.

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With Nacua out, the Rams will rely on Adams, Whittington, Atwell, and other offensive weapons to carry the load against the Jaguars. Their ability to adapt and step up will be crucial for the team’s success in Week 7’s international matchup.
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