Rams Expect Star Receiver Puka Nacua to Play Against Raiders

Nacua Progressing Ahead of Sunday

The Los Angeles Rams are optimistic that star wide receiver Puka Nacua will play Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Nacua is listed as questionable with a calf injury.

He felt better on Saturday, according to a source. The source said: "As long as there aren't any setbacks, we feel good about him being available to play." Nacua had an MRI on his calf Thursday that came back better than the Rams had hoped. He did not practice on Friday.

Homecoming and Health History

Rams coach Sean McVay said there was not a specific play when the injury occurred. He noted that Nacua felt it where he was not able to have some of the power and full explosion.

Sunday's road game against the Raiders will be something of a homecoming for Nacua. The 25 year old was born in Las Vegas and spent the first 11 years of his life there before moving to Utah in 2012.

The two time Pro Bowler missed two games last month because of a core muscle injury. He has 37 catches for 417 yards in four games this season.

Rams Missing Receiver Depth

Getting Nacua back on the field is important for the Los Angeles offense. The team is already without wide receiver Davante Adams, who will miss six to 10 weeks after he injured his hamstring in Week 6.

With Adams out of action, Nacua's return provides a major boost for the Rams passing game in Las Vegas.

What it means for the next game

Los Angeles Rams at Las Vegas Raiders (NFL, Sun, 25 Oct): Las Vegas Raiders win 37%, Los Angeles Rams win 63%; projected score Las Vegas Raiders 22, Los Angeles Rams 26. Our safest pick: Rams +3.5.

Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Rams (NFL, Sun, 01 Nov): Los Angeles Rams win 73%, Los Angeles Chargers win 27%; projected score Los Angeles Rams 25, Los Angeles Chargers 19. Our safest pick: Rams to win.