Is Puka Nacua playing today? Rams would be wise not to push him through injury

The Los Angeles Rams have already had to suit up and play without wide receiver Puka Nacua twice. With Nacua, they are 1-3. Without Nacua, LA is 1-1. But Los Angeles has not played a game without both Nacua and Davante Adams. They may be forced to do so in Week 7.

On Thursday, Nacua sustained a calf injury in practice that has downgraded his game status to questionable. And just to compare, he did not play in Week 2 with a questionable status. He also did not play in Week 3 with a doubtful status. In both cases, he was battling a hip injury.

While his current injury is not the same, the Rams have been somewhat protective of Nacua in terms of placing him on the field at less than 100 percent.

When Nacua returned in Week 4, he instantly became the offensive workhorse. He caught nine of twelve passes for 125 yards to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles. The following week, he caught 17 of 24 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown in an overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills.

With that level of workload, it may be wise to expect Nacua to sit out against the Raiders.

Why would Rams sit Nacua when winning means so much right now?

The Rams are addicted to throwing his way. This season, Nacua has averaged 13 targets and over nine receptions per game. If he is nursing a painful groin injury, the urgency to win could compel LA to overwork its star receiver. In the process, he could aggravate the injury and make winning later in the season even more difficult.

Another reason to sit Nacua is the current state of the roster. With so many injuries right now, Nacua may not move the needle enough to earn a win. But if he returns to the lineup along with other players, the impact could be multiplied.

Meanwhile, the Rams could take the opportunity to break the uncontrollable urge to throw to Nacua at all costs. They have other receivers and a robust rushing attack that are gathering dust and cobwebs from a lack of use. If Nacua sits out Week 7, LA would be forced to rely on lesser-used weapons.

If the goal is to win, perhaps it's time for this offense to take one step back to take many steps forward.

As always, thanks for reading.

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