The Los Angeles Rams go into Sunday’s game in Las Vegas not knowing whether Puka Nacua will play, with the receiver listed as questionable because of a calf problem, but the club’s long injury list carries one hopeful note: edge rusher Myles Garrett is close to returning to practice.
At 2-4, the Rams cannot afford many more losses, and they face the 3-3 Raiders at Allegiant Stadium without several starters. Sean McVay has called Nacua’s injury minor, yet the team will not decide on him until shortly before the 4:25 p.m. EDT kickoff.
Who is questionable and who is out
Nacua took part in most of Thursday’s practice before stopping and having the calf examined. He did not practice on Friday. McVay told reporters the receiver could not find his usual power and burst, and that Nacua was not sure exactly when the problem started. Nacua is expected to test the calf in a pregame workout before a final call is made.
#Rams coach Sean McVay told reporters that Puka Nacua felt he wasn't able to "have some of the power and full explosion" with his calf, which is why he stopped practiciing. Nacua will work out pre-game. https://t.co/hc7mY0gbO3
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 23, 2026
Cornerback Trent McDuffie is also questionable after missing every practice of the week with a groin injury he picked up in practice the week before. Having sat out all three sessions again, he looks unlikely to play. Josh Wallace, who practiced fully all week despite a calf issue, has filled in for him, with Emmanuel Forbes also in the rotation.
Linebacker Nate Landman has been ruled out with a concussion after three missed practices, although McVay said he is making good progress. The Rams brought up veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks and cornerback Cam Lampkin from the practice squad on Saturday to cover the gaps.
Tight end Colby Parkinson (shoulder) has no designation after practicing fully all week. Lineman Alaric Jackson, edge rusher Byron Young and defensive end Aaron Donald were given rest days on Friday and are also free of designations.
Garrett’s window could open next week
Garrett has been on injured reserve since mid-September after knee surgery. Ian Rapoport reported that the All-Pro is likely to resume practicing next week, and McVay called it a possibility, with the final word left to the medical staff. Once his 21-day practice window opens, the Rams can activate him at any point during it.
#Rams edge Myles Garrett is likely to return to practice next week, a rare bit of positive injury news for LA. https://t.co/QAAmuKK96Y
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 23, 2026
Getting him back would matter. The Rams have struggled to pressure quarterbacks without him, and the defensive front has thinned out since: defensive end Kobie Turner and nose tackle Poona Ford are both on injured reserve.
The offense is also short-handed. Davante Adams is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury from Week 6, and Konata Mumpfield is expected to start in his place. If Nacua cannot play, Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington would be the top receivers, and rookie CJ Daniels could play his first regular-season game. Tight end Terrance Ferguson and kicker Blake Grupe are on injured reserve too.
The Raiders’ side
Las Vegas has running back Mike Washington listed as questionable with foot and back injuries after he missed practice on Thursday and Friday, and has ruled out tight end Carter Runyon and receiver Dont’e Thornton. Tight end Brock Bowers practiced fully on Thursday and Friday and carries no designation.
What comes next
The Rams play the Raiders on Sunday, October 25, at 4:25 p.m. EDT in the Game Center, then host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, November 1. Every club’s designations are on the injury report page.
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