Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson, Top Fantasy Waiver-Wire WRs After Puka Nacua Injury

Puka Nacua's sophomore season with the Los Angeles Rams was disrupted by a knee injury during a loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football . Nacua was eventually placed on injured reserve due to a PCL sprain, meaning that he won't be able to return to the field for at least four weeks. From a fantasy football perspective, the 23-year-old's upcoming absence is a tough blow for managers after he emerged as a breakout star in 2023.

As a fifth-round pick, Nacua hauled in 105 catches for 1,486 yards in his rookie year. While it's extremely difficult to replace his production, here are some potential waiver additions that could help mitigate the loss of the Rams receiver until he's able to return. Los Angeles Rams WR Demarcus Robinson Cooper Kupp is still expected to operate as Matthew Stafford's top target in Los Angeles' offense, but Demarcus Robinson could step up in Nacua's absence.



The veteran receiver has remained a consistent backup option throughout his career, surpassing 440 yards in three of the past five seasons. Robinson was targeted seven times on Sunday night, hauling in four catches for 42 yards. He has some experience in a larger role with Los Angeles.

Robinson appeared in over 60 percent of the Rams' offensive snaps in four contests during his 2023 campaign, per Pro Football Reference . Over those four appearances, he racked up 264 yards and three touchdowns. He's available in 94 percent of Yahoo fantasy leagues and 86 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues.

Los Angeles Rams WR Tyler Johnson Tyler Johnson is also a candidate for an expanded role in head coach Sean McVay's offense. The former fifth-round pick finished as Los Angeles' second-leading receiver against the Lions, recording five catches for 79 yards. Johnson was also targeted seven times, putting him in a tie with Robinson for the highest mark on the team outside of Kupp.

He was targeted seven times in two preseason contests and could be in line for more with Nacua out. The Arizona Cardinals, the Rams' Week 2 opponent, allowed the ninth-most passing yards among all NFL teams in a Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Carolina Panthers WR Adam Thielen Thielen may be more difficult to acquire in some leagues, although he's still available in 66 percent of Yahoo fantasy leagues.

The Panthers were blown out by the final score of 47-10 in their Week 1 matchup with the New Orleans Saints, but Thielen still put together a commendable season debut. He totaled three catches for a team-high 49 yards. The 34-year-old has a history of starting strong, as he racked up 509 yards and four touchdowns in his first six appearances in the 2023 season.

As Bryce Young attempts to bounce back from throwing two interceptions against New Orleans, he could lean on Thielen even more in the upcoming weeks. Indianapolis Colts WR Adonai Mitchell Mitchell's NFL debut didn't exactly turn heads, as the 2024 second-round pick recorded just one catch for two yards in a 29-27 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday. However, he was targeted five times and nearly hauled in several long passes that would have boosted his fantasy performance.

As Mitchell progresses through his rookie season, it's fair to assume that he'll eventually get on the same page with quarterback Anthony Richardson. He could also benefit from a Colts passing attack that thrived on big plays in Week 1, as Richardson amassed 212 yards through the air on just nine completions. Mitchell could be a risky addition, but he might also help fantasy owners if he remains a top target for Richardson.

He's currently available in 68 percent of Yahoo leagues and 65 percent of ESPN leagues..