Is Puka Nacua playing today? Full injury update for Rams WR in Week 10

The Los Angeles Rams have exactly eight games in the record books. But star wide receiver Puka Nacua has just seven appearances and six games in his record books. That is due to a series of minor injuries that have befallen the top receiver in Week 6 and Week 9. Nacua sat out in Week 7, rested in Week 8, and could only accomplish one half of unlimited play until injury struck again.

Now, Los Angeles fans, and NFL fans around the league, want to know if Puka Nacua can suit up and perform in a crucial Week 10 showdown versus their NFC West Division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers. Well, that may be a bit complicated. Here's why:

The best news so far is that he did not suffer an injury that requires time on injured reserve. Nacua suffered what is likely bruised ribs and bruised rib cartilage. While that is not an ailment that necessitates time off, it becomes a matter of pain tolerance. Can Nacua play through the pain? Intelligent guesswork would say yes.

And so does head coach Sean McVay.

Don't expect Puka Nacua to sit out in vital Week 10 game vs 49ers

For Los Angeles to have a chance of overcoming the San Francisco 49ers, the offense will need to get its top receiving threat involved early and often in the game. In their Week 5 matchup, he hauled in 10 of 12 passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, that was not enough as the final score of 26-23 in overtime was in the Niners' favor.

The team has improved since that Week 5 loss. Defensively, Los Angeles has only allowed 20 points over the past three games. While the defense has been a bit stingy all season long, the difference appears to be a more confident and competent secondary in Week 10.

This is a secondary that is stepping up, whether or not the pass rush is getting after the quarterback. While Darious Williams is expected to return, the 49ers have yet to see Roger McCreary in Horns. That may be enough to derail their short-yardage tactics that flourished in Week 5.

But the game will be won or lost on the backs of the offense. And this offense still relies upon the former Brigham Young University wide receiver to gain yards and move the chains. Despite just seven appearances this season, he has amassed 711 receiving yards, three receiving touchdowns. He has also rushed four times for 55 yards and a touchdown.

He is the ultimate offensive weapon in a must-win game. Will he play? The better question is: Who can stop him from playing?

As always, thanks for reading.