Rams get (slight) relief on injury front despite Puka Nacua news

While the Los Angeles Rams continue to offer star wide receiver Puka Nacua some time away from Week 7 practices to heal his ankle sprain, they're happy to report other players are making better progress in their healing and recovery in time to suit up to face the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Four players improved their status to full participants in Thursday practices, and even running back Blake Corum upgraded from did-not-practice to limited participation.

That only leaves right tackle Rob Havenstein and Nacua as players who won't suit up for Sunday's tilt against the Jags over in England.

On the offensive line, swing-tackle Warren McClendon Jr. has been playing very well and may actually be an upgrade over starter Havenstein at this stage of the season. While it's difficult to discern the silver lining with the injury to the former BYU wide receiver, there are many other offensive weapons in LA's offensive arsenal who would love to contribute on the road.

Many simply need the opportunity and work load to do so.

Rams offense remains in good shape despite Puka Nacua injury

There's no way around it: Nacua's absence is a difficult one to overcome.

The smiling young receiver has been the go-to guy in more than one game, and Los Angeles has yet to prove it can put a similarly proficient offense on the field if he is not playing. In a Week 6 win over the Baltimore Ravens, the Horns managed just 17 points, and that was without Nacua for just over a full half of football.

Still, the Rams aren't bereft of talent elsewhere.

The offense managed to get two second-half touchdowns against Baltimore by relying on two other veterans. Tight end Tyler Higbee showed up in prime form as he hauled in all four passes for 40 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, running back Kyren Williams was a jack-of-all-trades, rushing 13 times for 50 yards and a touchdown, while catching both passes thrown his way for 37 yards. That includes a circus catch for 30 yards along the sideline that set up a touchdown.

And All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams is still looking to have his first signature game with the Horns where he wholly takes over the offense.

Nacua's temporary absence in Week 6 created a void, and the offense was a bit shaky. However, now that LA knows it can score even without the star receiver on the field, perhaps the offense will be unstoppable as well. Just in a different way.

As always, thanks for reading.