Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua will likely miss some time with an ankle injury, but head coach Sean McVay doesn’t sound too worried about who will step up in his star pass-catcher’s absence.
The Rams’ head coach hinted that both Jordan Whittington and seventh-round rookie receiver Konata Mumpfield would pick up the role vacated by Nacua if and when he doesn’t play.
“I love Jordan Whittington, what he’s about,” McVay told reporters Monday. “I was really pleased with Konata Mumpfield coming in and playing in some different spots. He’s another guy that I think is capable of handling more if that’s what’s required based on Puka’s availability. But I love Jordan Whittington. He did a good job.”
Whittington caught three of four targets for 23 yards, while Mumpfield caught one of two targets for seven yards in the Week 6 win over the Baltimore Ravens.
This wouldn’t be the first time Whittington has needed to step up in his short career. The 2024 sixth-rounder caught 13 of 18 targets for 151 scoreless yards from Weeks 4 to 5 when Nacua and Cooper Kupp were out. Whittington finished his rookie campaign with 22 receptions for 293 yards and no touchdowns.
Mumpfield is a bigger mystery given his inexperience, but he joined the Rams with a solid collegiate resume at Pitt and high preseason praise from McVay.
Those two will likely play the Nacua role on the offense, with Davante Adams maintaining his traditional position on the outside. Tutu Atwell (if he’s healthy), should continue to be the deep threat for quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The London match against the Jacksonville Jaguars will be the team’s first test without Nacua in the lineup before the Rams go on their Week 8 bye.