The Rams were already shorthanded going into their Week 1 game against the Detroit Lions, but things got worse on Sunday Night Football as both Puka Nacua and Joe Noteboom are questionable to return due to injuries. On the final drive of the first half, both Nacua (knee) and Noteboom (ankle) were both still held out, as Puka sat on the bench looking frustrated after talking to trainers.
Noteboom was already in as a replacement, as starter A.J. Jackson is suspended for the first two games of the season, as is backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
As of Noteboom’s injury, the Rams offensive line features A.J. Arcuri at left tackle and Warren McClendon at right tackle, as Rob Havenstein’s backup. Even the left guard and center are basically new starters, as Jonah Jackson and Steve Avila switched places right before the season.
Nacua has been one of the NFL’s toughest players but is also prone to finding himself in harm’s way because of his tough, physical style. For now, it seems that Nacua is missing action, but the Rams will need him for the second half as they trail 10-3.
