Rams' Puka Nacua questionable against Raiders with calf injury, Sean McVay says decision will come Sunday

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. — The Los Angeles Rams could be without their top two wide receivers when they travel to Las Vegas to face the Raiders on Sunday, as head coach Sean McVay announced Friday that Puka Nacua is questionable with a calf injury and will be a game-time decision.

Nacua suffered the injury during Thursday's practice and did not participate Friday, leaving his availability uncertain as the Rams attempt to bounce back from last weekend's upset loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

The Rams are already without Davante Adams, who was placed on injured reserve earlier this week after suffering a ruptured hamstring against Arizona. Losing Nacua would leave quarterback Matthew Stafford without his two most prominent receiving targets against the Raiders.

"He'll be questionable for the game," McVay said Friday before practice. "He took part in a majority of the practice, left, got it checked out, so he'll be questionable for the game."

McVay said Nacua did not suffer the injury on any particular play and initially wasn't sure when the discomfort began.

"I don't think he knows exactly when it occurred," McVay said. "You look at it and there's a little minor thing in there. Felt it where he wasn't able to have some of the power and full explosion. Just noticed it, but I don't think he was aware of any sort of specific play that led to it."

When asked whether Nacua's availability would be determined before Sunday's game, McVay confirmed that it would be a pregame decision.

The uncertainty comes at a particularly difficult time for a Rams offense already dealing with significant injuries. Adams' hamstring injury is expected to sideline him for six to 10 weeks, leaving Los Angeles potentially without both of its starting receivers for an important road game.

McVay acknowledged the challenge but emphasized that the Rams cannot expect any individual player to replicate what Nacua and Adams bring to the offense.

"Whether you're talking about Adams, whether you're talking about Puka, you don't ever ask anybody to replace those guys," McVay said. "They're unique guys that have meant so much to us."

Instead, McVay said the Rams would rely on a combination of younger receivers and other offensive personnel to fill the void if Nacua is unable to play.

Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington and C.J. Daniels are among the receivers who could see expanded opportunities, while the Rams could also lean more heavily on their tight ends and running backs in the passing game.

"I want those players to be their best selves whether that's 'Mump,' whether that's Tutu, whether that's 'J Whitt,' whether that's C.J. Daniels," McVay said. "It's by committee with all of your eligibles, tight ends, your backs."

McVay said the coaching staff would focus on putting those players in positions that maximize their individual strengths rather than asking them to assume the responsibilities of injured starters.

"I think the biggest thing is it's a great opportunity for other guys to step up if that's the situation that we're dealing with," McVay said. "I'm looking for those guys to play to the best of their ability and enjoy the opportunity and make sure that when you look yourself in the mirror, no regrets afterwards."

One player who could take on an increased role is tight end Colby Parkinson, whom McVay praised for his versatility and consistency throughout the season.

"Steady, consistent," McVay said of Parkinson. "He's such a productive player in so many different phases and does a lot of stuff that doesn't go unappreciated by us but might not be seen by the casual fan."

McVay highlighted Parkinson's blocking ability, leadership and contributions in the passing game, noting that the veteran tight end can line up in multiple positions and contribute in a variety of ways.

"He's a complete tight end," McVay said. "He has great leadership traits. I see a guy that's so anchored in his faith and who he is as a person, plays competitively tough, physically and mentally. Can be an in-line blocker, can play across the formation. I have a lot of love for Colby."

The Rams are also dealing with injury concerns on defense.

Cornerback Trent McDuffie did not practice Friday and is questionable for Sunday's game, while inside linebacker Nate Landman has been ruled out as he continues to recover from a concussion.

McVay said Landman is making progress but will not be available against Las Vegas.

With Landman sidelined, the Rams plan to elevate veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks for Sunday's game.

McVay confirmed the decision Friday and praised Kendricks, who recently joined the team, for the experience and understanding he brings to the defense.

"If you didn't know anything, you'd say this guy's played a lot of football," McVay said. "He's got a veteran presence, real good concept understanding, can play a variety of schemes, has had success in a variety of schemes, understands football from a big-picture perspective."

McVay said he developed considerable respect for Kendricks while coaching against him over the years and has been impressed with the veteran's approach since joining the Rams.

"Coaching against him for all those years there was a lot of respect," McVay said. "Then you get around him and the consistency of how he shows up, we're lucky to have him."

While the Rams continue to deal with injuries on both sides of the ball, there could be encouraging news regarding outside linebacker Myles Garrett.

Garrett, who has been sidelined while recovering from a knee procedure, could potentially return to practice next week, McVay said.

"That's a possibility," McVay said. "I've told you guys, I'll wait to talk to Myles, Dr. ElAttrache, Reggie and those guys, but that is a possibility for next week."

McVay said Garrett has remained engaged with the team throughout his rehabilitation, attending meetings and working closely with outside linebackers coach Joe Coniglio.

"He's been very present," McVay said. "He has a lot of respect from his teammates and you're continuing to get to know him. The guy hasn't been around a lot relative to being on the field with guys, but guys like him. He has a nice humility about himself."

Although Garrett's return to practice remains uncertain, McVay said the relationship between the veteran pass rusher and Coniglio has continued to develop during his recovery.

"I feel a mutual respect that they share for one another," McVay said. "I know Joe's really excited about getting the chance to coach him."

For now, the Rams' immediate concern is preparing for Sunday's game against the Raiders with a receiving corps that could look dramatically different from the one that began the season.

With Adams already sidelined and Nacua's status uncertain, McVay and Stafford may need to rely on a committee of receivers and tight ends to keep the offense moving.

The final decision on Nacua is expected to come Sunday, leaving the Rams with another significant question to answer before taking the field in Las Vegas.