Rams Optimistic Puka Nacua Will Play vs. Raiders Following Positive MRI

Wide receiver Puka Nacua is expected to play Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders after an MRI on his calf yielded better results than anticipated.

The Los Angeles Rams are optimistic that wide receiver Puka Nacua will be available for Sunday's road game against the Las Vegas Raiders, a source told ESPN. Nacua is currently listed as questionable due to a calf injury that prevented him from practicing on Friday. Despite the missed session, a source indicated the 25-year-old felt better on Saturday and is expected to play provided he avoids setbacks during pre-game preparations.

Medical evaluations provided encouraging news for the Rams earlier in the week. Nacua underwent an MRI on Thursday that produced results better than the team had initially hoped for. Coach Sean McVay noted that while there was no specific play that caused the issue, the receiver felt a loss of power and explosion. This calf concern follows a core muscle injury that caused the two-time Pro Bowler to miss two games last month.

Nacua enters the matchup with 37 receptions for 417 yards through four games this season. The Rams offense is already shorthanded at the position, as wide receiver Davante Adams is projected to miss six to 10 weeks with a hamstring injury sustained in Week 6. Sunday's contest serves as a homecoming for Nacua, who lived in Las Vegas for 11 years before moving to Utah in 2012.