The Los Angeles Rams’ season is turning into a growing injury nightmare, and Puka Nacua could be the latest star to miss some time. The wide receiver left Thursday’s practice early with a calf injury, putting his availability for Sunday’s Week 7 clash against the Las Vegas Raiders in doubt.
Los Angeles entered the 2026 season with Super Bowl hopes, but a growing list of injuries has made that goal harder to reach. Their recent 18-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals dropped them to 2-4 and the bottom of the NFC West. Now, Nacua’s injury has given fans and analysts another reason to worry as the team looks to get its season back on track.
NFL World Reacts to Puka Nacua’s Injury
Nacua’s injury has added to the frustration surrounding a Rams team already missing several key players. Wide receiver Davante Adams is on Injured Reserve with a severe hamstring injury, while tight end Terrance Ferguson remains sidelined with an ankle issue.
The defense has also taken hits, with Myles Garrett recovering from knee surgery, Poona Ford out for the season with a triceps injury, and Kobie Turner expected to miss four to six weeks with a groin strain.
Linebacker Nate Landman remains in concussion protocol, while cornerback Trent McDuffie has also dealt with a groin injury. Kicker Blake Grupe is out for the season after tearing his ACL.
The growing injury list has prompted strong reactions from fans and analysts. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky summed up his reaction in two words, writing, “Dear God.”
The Sleeper News channel also expressed frustration, posting, “Not Puka man.”
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Analyst Field Yates shared a similar reaction, writing, “Ah crap.”
One fan pointed to the number of injuries affecting the team, saying, “‘Super Team’ curse so real in the NFL.”
Analyst Holden Cantor also appeared frustrated, writing, “I’m out man.”
Meanwhile, analyst Derek Brown questioned the Rams’ offseason draft decisions in light of their current problems. “I feel like MAYBE the Rams should have drafted a WR this year instead of a QB & a TE,” Brown wrote.
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Puka Nacua Has Been a Key Target for Matthew Stafford
Despite missing time earlier in the season with a groin/hip issue, Nacua has been Matthew Stafford’s most reliable receiving option when healthy.
In four games, the wide receiver has recorded 37 receptions for 417 yards and one touchdown. He has an 81.8 PFN WR Impact Grade, which ranks 15th among wide receivers.
If Nacua is unavailable against the Raiders, receiver Konata Mumpfield could be asked to take on a bigger role.
The Rams face an urgent must-win scenario against Las Vegas to prevent their season from spiraling out of reach, but this spate of injuries could test Sean McVay’s resolve.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.