INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Los Angeles Rams have officially activated receiver Puka Nacua from injured reserve following a five-game layoff, allowing him to compete against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night.
Additionally, Cooper Kupp is set to return after missing the previous four games due to injury, providing a boost for the Rams, who hold a 2-4 record this season. The Vikings enter the game with a strong 5-1 record.
Nacua has been sidelined since he sprained a ligament in his knee during the first half of the Rams’ season opener against Detroit last month. He was designated to return to practice during the Rams’ brief preparation period for the game against Minnesota, and the team confirmed during pregame warmups that he was ready to take the field.
Last season, Nacua earned a Pro Bowl selection after a record-breaking rookie campaign. He set the record for the most catches (105) and receiving yards (1,486) by a rookie in NFL history, as well as scoring six touchdowns.
He also achieved remarkable records for rookies, including the most receptions in a single game (15 against San Francisco) and the highest receiving yards in a playoff game (181 against Detroit).
However, Nacua has dealt with a knee injury that hampered his training camp performance this year. He recorded four receptions for 35 yards in the season opener before re-injuring himself and subsequently being placed on injured reserve.
In addition to Nacua’s absence, the Rams lost Kupp to an ankle injury in Week 2, which left quarterback Matthew Stafford without his top two offensive weapons. So far this season, Stafford has thrown only three touchdown passes, with just two occurring over the last five games.
To accommodate Nacua’s return, linebacker Troy Reeder has been placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. Reeder is a starter and often communicates defensive calls for the team.
Kupp is expected to play against the Vikings after sitting out last week’s victory over Las Vegas, and as a Super Bowl 56 MVP, he is currently the subject of several trade rumors.