The Los Angeles Rams have officially activated wide receiver Puka Nacua from injured reserve, allowing him to play against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night after missing five games.
Additionally, Cooper Kupp will also return after being sidelined for four games due to injury.
Nacua has been out since suffering a knee ligament sprain during the first half of the Rams’ season-opening loss to the Detroit Lions last month. He was cleared to return to practice during the team’s brief preparation period for the Vikings, and the coaching staff confirmed his readiness during pregame warmups.
Nacua had a standout rookie season, making it to the Pro Bowl after setting records for the most receptions (105) and most receiving yards (1,486) by a rookie in NFL history, along with six touchdown receptions. He also established NFL rookie records for the most catches in a single game (15 against the San Francisco 49ers) and for the most receiving yards in a playoff game (181 against the Lions).
However, his progress this season was hampered by a knee injury during training camp. He managed to catch four passes for 35 yards before re-aggravating the injury in the season opener, leading to his placement on injured reserve shortly afterward.
The Rams struggled offensively in Kupp’s absence, who was hurt in Week 2, contributing to quarterback Matthew Stafford’s difficulties, as he has thrown only three touchdown passes this season, with just two in the last five games.
To accommodate Nacua’s return, the Rams placed linebacker Troy Reeder on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. Kupp is expected to play against Minnesota after missing the previous game against the Las Vegas Raiders, and he has been the subject of trade discussions as well.