Rams star Puka Nacua leaves practice after sustaining a calf injury
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- Wide receiver Puka Nacua became the latest standout player for the Rams to suffer an injury, clouding his availability for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
- With Davante Adams on injured reserve, there’s a chance the Rams could be without both of their star wide receivers against the Raiders.
The Rams’ injury woes continued Thursday when star receiver Puka Nacua left practice because of a calf injury, a team official said.
Nacua was sidelined for two games this season because of a hip injury, but he has played the last three games for a Rams team that opened the season as the Super Bowl favorite but is 2-4 heading into Sunday’s game against the Raiders in Las Vegas.
The Rams are already thin at receiver in the wake of a hamstring injury suffered by Davante Adams during the Rams’ 18-16 defeat by the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday. Adams, 33, will be sidelined for six to 10 weeks, coach Sean McVay said.
It remains to be seen if Nacua, who led the NFL in receptions last season, will play against the Raiders. He has 37 catches for 417 yards and a touchdown, and he has also rushed for a touchdown this season.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford knows he needs to play better, especially in the wake of several key players sustaining injuries.
Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell and rookie CJ Daniels are other Rams receivers.
Mumpfield, a second-year pro, said he would be ready if called upon for a larger role.
“Just something we expect from each and every one of us,” he said. “It’s just a mindset.”
The Rams have been navigating injuries since the defeat by the San Francisco 49ers in the season opener. Edge rusher Myles Garrett aggravated a left knee injury and underwent surgery. He has been on injured reserve and McVay has given no indication when the Rams would open his 21-day window to return.
Tight end Terrance Ferguson also remains on injured reserve because of an ankle injury.
On Monday, McVay said defensive tackle Poona Ford was out for the season because of a triceps injury. Defensive lineman Kobie Turner also was placed on injured reserve because of a groin injury, so he will sit out at least four games.
Three NFL head coaches were each fined $250,000 Wednesday for their conduct toward game officials.
“Big pieces to the puzzle are going to be missed,” defensive lineman Aaron Donald said. “We trust the guys that [are] going to be out there playing.”
Donald and Braden Fiske are starters with Tyler Davis, Larrell Murchison and Ty Hamilton expected to play in rotational roles.
All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie did not play against the Cardinals and has not practiced this week because of a groin injury. Linebacker Nate Landman is in concussion protocol.
