Rams’ injury nightmare gets even worse as Puka Nacua suffers new setback

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The Los Angeles Rams can’t seem to catch a break. And now, they might have lost one of the most important players they can least afford to lose.

Wide receiver Puka Nacua left Thursday’s practice early with a calf injury, adding another troubling chapter to an increasingly disastrous week for a franchise whose Super Bowl aspirations are beginning to resemble a distant memory.

The California Post was among the first to report Nacua’s early departure from practice. The Rams subsequently listed their star receiver as a limited participant on Thursday’s official injury report ahead of Sunday’s Week 7 showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.

Nacua was scheduled to address reporters following practice but was unavailable after suffering the injury. His status for Sunday remains uncertain, with head coach Sean McVay expected to provide an update Friday morning.

For Nacua, it’s another frustrating setback in a season already littered with them.

The third-year receiver has battled lower back, groin and hip injuries throughout the year, missing consecutive games against the New York Giants and Denver Broncos earlier this season. The calf issue represents an entirely new ailment, raising further concerns about his availability as the Rams desperately search for answers.

Just four days removed from Sunday’s humiliating 18-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, which dropped the Rams to 2-4 and into the NFC West basement, McVay’s roster is beginning to resemble an emergency room more than a football team.

Kicker Blake Grupe, signed just days earlier to replace the struggling Harrison Mevis, suffered a season-ending torn ACL against Arizona. Defensive tackle Poona Ford is also done for the year after tearing his triceps.

Fellow defensive tackle Kobie Turner will be sidelined four to six weeks with a groin strain, while veteran wide receiver Davante Adams faces a 6-10 week absence after a ruptured hamstring and is expected to undergo a cleanup surgery soon. 

Linebacker Nate Landman joined the growing list Wednesday with a concussion, compounding an injury crisis that already includes defensive stars Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie.

Now Nacua, arguably Stafford’s most indispensable offensive weapon, is the latest name added to the report.

For a team that entered September dreaming of playing a Super Bowl in its own stadium come February, the contrast is staggering.

The Rams were supposed to be preparing for a championship run. Instead, they’re preparing for a trip to Sin City with a battered roster, a losing record and a season threatening to slip away before Halloween.

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