Puka Nacua leaves Rams practice with calf injury, putting his status for Raiders game in doubt

The Los Angeles Rams’ injury list got longer on Thursday, Oct. 22. Star wide receiver Puka Nacua left practice early with a calf injury, a team spokesperson told ESPN, and how serious it is was not yet known as of early Friday.

Nacua was officially listed as a limited participant on Thursday’s injury report, according to ESPN and Rams Wire. The Rams host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday in Week 7.

How bad is Puka Nacua’s injury?

That’s the open question. Rams Wire reported that the severity “is not yet known,” and the team had not given a timeline. NBC Sports’ Rotoworld advised fantasy managers to consider Nacua “highly questionable” for Sunday and to line up a backup plan, while noting that the Rams “have handled star-player injuries smartly this season.”

Until the Rams say more, any projection about whether he plays is a guess. Coach Sean McVay’s next media availability is the most likely place for an update.

Has Nacua been hurt before this season?

Yes. Nacua missed the Rams’ Week 2 and Week 3 games with a psoas injury, ESPN reported. In four games this season, he has 37 catches for 417 yards and a touchdown.

Why the timing hurts the Rams

Los Angeles is already without veteran receiver Davante Adams, who injured his hamstring in the Week 6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. McVay said Monday that Adams will miss six to 10 weeks, according to ESPN; NBC Sports described the injury as a hamstring tendon rupture.

ESPN listed several other injuries for the Rams this week:

• Nose tackle Poona Ford will miss the rest of the season with a ruptured triceps.
• Defensive tackle Kobie Turner will miss “a handful of weeks” with a groin injury.
• Kicker Blake Grupe tore his ACL in Week 6.

Rams Wire added that cornerback Trent McDuffie (groin) and linebacker Nate Landman (concussion protocol) did not practice for a second straight day.

Who replaces Puka Nacua? Konata Mumpfield’s role

If Nacua can’t go, NBC Sports said Konata Mumpfield would become the Rams’ de facto No. 1 receiver. Mumpfield has filled in before: in Week 3, with Nacua sidelined, he caught four of eight targets for 93 yards and a touchdown, Sports Illustrated’s fantasy site noted.

Beyond Nacua and Adams, the Rams’ receiver room includes Mumpfield, Jordan Whittington, Tutu Atwell, CJ Daniels and Alex Bachman, per ESPN. Sports Illustrated’s fantasy site said tight ends Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson could also see bigger roles.

The Raiders’ side

The opponent is trending healthier. Rams Wire reported that the Raiders upgraded tight end Brock Bowers and three other players, including tackle Kolton Miller, from limited to full participation on Thursday.

FAQ

What is Puka Nacua’s injury? A calf injury suffered at practice on Thursday, Oct. 22. Its severity has not been disclosed.

Will Puka Nacua play against the Raiders? Unknown for now. He was listed as limited, and analysts consider him questionable.

Who is Konata Mumpfield? A Rams wide receiver who would likely take on a bigger role if Nacua misses time.

Is Davante Adams playing? No. He is expected to miss six to 10 weeks with a hamstring injury.