Rams optimistic Puka Nacua will suit up against Raiders despite calf injury

Adam Schefter and Colin Cowherd comment on Nacua’s injury status and off‑field concerns ahead of the matchup.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 25 Oct 2026 16:46:25 GMT

The Los Angeles Rams are hopeful that wide receiver Puka Nacua will be cleared to play in Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to two Newsweek reports.

What happened

Nacua suffered a calf injury during Thursday’s practice and missed Friday’s session, making him a game‑time decision for the upcoming Sunday matchup. He was reported feeling better on Saturday, and a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the Rams expect him to have a chance to play if no further setbacks occur. The team is also dealing with the loss of veteran receiver Davante Adams, who is on injured reserve with a ruptured hamstring and is expected to miss six to ten weeks.

What the reports add

Newsweek’s article citing Schefter emphasized the optimism within the Rams organization, noting that the coaching staff feels good about Nacua’s availability as long as he avoids another setback. In a separate Newsweek piece, Fox Sports analyst Colin Cowherd highlighted that, beyond the injury, the Rams have faced “behind‑the‑scenes” issues involving Nacua for three years, describing the player as “very immature” and suggesting that off‑field controversies could be a longer‑term concern.

What was said

Adam Schefter, reported by Newsweek, said the Rams are optimistic about Nacua’s chance to play, adding that the player felt better on Saturday and that “as long as there aren’t any setbacks, we feel good about him being available to play.”

Colin Cowherd, on his FS1 show “The Herd”, said, “He’s a remarkable talent. He’s also very immature. They’ve been putting out fires behind the scenes for three years… And he gets hurt pretty regularly.”

How it came about

The latest update follows the Rams listing Nacua as questionable for the Raiders game on October 23, as reported in Felo News’s earlier article Rams list Puka Nacua questionable for Sunday’s game against Raiders. Earlier in the season, Nacua returned from a hip injury to post a 100‑yard performance against the Eagles and has dealt with multiple injuries, including a knee issue in September.

Key facts

Puka Nacua suffered a calf injury in Thursday practice and missed Friday's session. (newsweek.com)
Adam Schefter reported the Rams expect Nacua to play if no further setbacks occur. (newsweek.com)
Colin Cowherd described Nacua as talented but immature and referenced off‑field issues. (newsweek.com)
Davante Adams is on injured reserve with a ruptured hamstring, expected to miss 6‑10 weeks. (newsweek.com)