LOS ANGELES — Puka Nacua returned to the Rams’ lineup in spectacular fashion, catching a touchdown pass, amassing nearly 100 yards receiving and picking up key yardage on a fourth-down jet sweep during a victory over the New Orleans Saints. But that rushing play, which ended with a crushing hit, came with a cost.

The Rams’ kicking operation has been a problem all year. While kicker Joshua Karty is the face of it because misses count on his stats, he’s clearly not the only issue. The protection in front of him has allowed multiple blocks.