A late-week injury to Puka Nacua could open the door to a much-deserved oppertunity for Tutu Atwell.
The last time the Rams played in Seattle, it was Puka Nacua’s coming-out party. The rookie, who was making his NFL debut, recorded 10 catches for 119 yards in a performance that fans still talk about today. What was forgotten in the game was that Tutu Atwell, who started in place of an injured Cooper Kupp, recorded six receptions for 119 yards.
Atwell, when given the opportunity, has proved himself time and time again. He’s still the current Rams leader in catches and receiving yards this season, and stepped up when Kupp and Nacua were injured.
Against the Vikings, Atwell saw limited snaps despite his fast start to the year. if Nacua isn’t 100% entering Sunday after injuring his knee on Thursday, Atwell is the man for the job.
Atwell has shown excellent footwork, changing directions on defenders with quickness. He’s been one of Matthew Stafford’s favorite targets, he’s a nightmare when sent into motion and he can play any receiver position.
He’s shown strong hands, acceleration after the catch, and an ability to make tacklers miss. He’s a man deserving of more targets and when they’ve come his way, he’s hauled them in. Atwell has caught 67 percent of his targets this season and was on pace to record over 70 catches and 1,000 yards before his benching.
Atwell is the solution to the Rams’ wide receiver injury woes and he should see significant time versus Seattle.