Rarely does one non-quarterback drastically swing the odds either way, but Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua is one of the exceptions. He's dealing with multiple issues and is likely injured-reserve-bound, sidelining him for at least four games, including a clash with the Green Bay Packers.
Rams head coach Sean McVay said Nacua suffered right MCL and PCL sprains, plus turf toe. The All-Pro got hurt on the club's final offensive play of a 20-13 win over the Washington Commanders. That's absolutely brutal — unless you're an upcoming opponent, like the Packers.
Green Bay will face Los Angeles on the road in the NFL's first-ever Thanksgiving Eve battle and suddenly won't have to worry about Nacua.
Packers' Thanksgiving Eve date with Rams gets easier after Puka Nacua injury
It's impossible to overstate how valuable Nacua is. Despite missing two weeks already, he's tied for the league's third-most receptions (70). His 102.1 receiving yards per contest trail only the Seattle Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year.
The Rams have built the plane out of Nacua, and understandably so; he's an absolute stud. Their offense orbits around his gravity and mind-boggling usage. Not having to prepare for him is an overwhelming sigh of relief for the Packers' defensive staff.
Already without Green Bay legend Davante Adams, who's recovering from a surgically repaired ruptured hamstring tendon, Los Angeles will have to get creative. Tight end Terrance Ferguson is also questionable at best for the Week 12 clash after picking up a soft-tissue problem in practice recently. Nacua was quite literally the last viable pass-catcher standing for McVay and Co.
With Nacua and Adams out, the Rams' wideout room is down to an uninspiring cast of unheralded characters. They don't really have anyone else at the position; 2025 seventh-round pick Konata Mumpfield is the only other one with at least 10 catches. In other words, the Packers should expect to see a heavy dose of the dynamic running back duo of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.
However, regardless of the head-to-head advantage, Nacua's absence is a legitimate tipping point for Green Bay on multiple counts.
Puka Nacua's injury helps the Packers in more ways than one
Packers veteran running back Josh Jacobs probably won't be available in Los Angeles. He'll undergo a procedure to repair his broken right ring finger, per head coach Matt LaFleur. The three-time Pro Bowler has dominated the backfield usage since returning from the Commissioner's Exempt list.
Running the ball wasn't much of an option while Jacobs wasn't in the lineup earlier this season. Granted, he hasn't done much in that regard either, averaging a lowly 2.2 yards per carry on 36 attempts. His presence has at least kept teams honest and gives Green Bay additional firepower, though, which isn't as concerning against the Nacua-less Rams.
Moreover, the two NFC playoff hopefuls are both likely competing for one of the conference's three Wild Card spots because their divisions are loaded. The outcome of the Green Bay-L.A. primetime matchup could have a massive impact on the final standings and the Super Bowl LXI picture at large.
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