Puka Nacua has to leave Rams’ practice after reinjuring knee

A week after returning to the Rams lineup in spectacular fashion, star receiver Puka Nacua left practice Thursday because of a right knee injury, a team official said.

His status for practice Friday and Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks at Seattle is to be determined, the official said.

The setback is the latest issue related to a knee sprain that Nacua suffered in a joint practice with the Chargers during training camp.

The 2023 Pro Bowl selection sat out most preseason practices before the opener against the Detroit Lions, but he caught four passes for 35 yards before aggravating the injury in the overtime defeat.

Nacua was placed on injured reserve and was sidelined for five games. His availability to play on Oct. 24 against the Minnesota Vikings was in question until the day before the game.

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Nacua returned and caught seven passes for 106 yards in a 30-20 victory that improved the Rams’ record to 3-4 and bolstered hopes for a turnaround similar to last season, when the Rams rebounded from a 3-6 start and make the playoffs.

Veteran receiver Cooper Kupp also played against the Vikings after sitting out four games because of an ankle injury.

The return of Kupp and Nacua energized the Rams, and coaches and players were looking forward to having both on the field again Sunday.

“Anytime that you get those guys back it’s a big deal,” coach Sean McVay said this week, adding, “They take a lot of stress off.”

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Punter Ethan Evans did not practice Thursday because of illness, special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn said, and the Rams signed punter Ryan Sanborn to the practice squad.

Evans’ status for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks is to be determined. The second-year pro, is averaging 41.8 net yards per punt and has placed 12 of his 23 kicks inside the 20-yard line.

In the Rams’ victory over the Minnesota Vikings, Evans pinned the Vikings at their three-yard line, setting the stage for a clinching safety.

Evans also handles kickoffs. If Evans does not play, Joshua Karty would handle kickoffs.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.