The Los Angeles Rams have activated wide receiver Puka Nacua from injured reserve after a five-game absence, allowing him to play against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night. Additionally, Cooper Kupp is set to return after missing four games due to injury.
Nacua had been sidelined since he sprained a ligament in his knee during the first half of the Rams’ season-opening loss to the Detroit Lions last month. He was designated to return to practice during the week leading up to the game against Minnesota, and the team confirmed his readiness in pregame warmups.
Last season, Nacua earned a Pro Bowl selection following a remarkable debut campaign, breaking records for rookie receivers with 105 receptions and 1,486 receiving yards, along with six touchdowns. He also holds NFL rookie records for the most catches in a single game (15 against San Francisco) and the most receiving yards in a playoff game (181 against Detroit).
This year, however, he encountered setbacks in training camp due to a knee injury. He recorded four catches for 35 yards in the season opener before re-injuring himself and subsequently going on injured reserve.
Kupp also faced injury challenges, missing several games after an ankle injury in Week 2. The Rams’ offense has struggled without their top playmakers, as quarterback Matthew Stafford has thrown only three touchdown passes this season and just two in the last five games.
To make space for Nacua on the roster, the Rams placed linebacker Troy Reeder on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. Kupp’s return to the lineup against the Vikings is almost certain, especially after he was absent from last week’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Additionally, he has been the subject of various trade rumors.