Rams could get unexpected player back for Thursday Night Football
Dec 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; The Los Angeles Rams logo at midfield at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Cooper Kupp is expected to return from an ankle injury to face the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night, and he is not the only Los Angeles Rams star who could take the field for the first time in weeks.
Puka Nacua had his 21-day practice window opened earlier this week, and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that the second-year wide receiver could be active against Minnesota. Nacua suffered a knee injury in Week 1 and has not played since.
“They just opened up Nacua’s practice window a couple of days ago, but he’s listed as questionable and my understanding is there is now optimism that Puca Nacua could play (on Thursday night),” Pelissero said. “He’s not gonna go out there, probably, and play 70 snaps. He’s only had one real practice, but he’s had a good week. … If all goes well, it seems like we’re trending toward Puka Nacua at least being active for the Rams.”
The #Rams get Cooper Kupp back (for the final time?) tonight against the #Vikings — and there is now optimism Puka Nacua potentially could return as well. @gmfb @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/BHcqTBJNyW
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 24, 2024
The Rams fell to 2-4 with their loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. There has been talk of them trading star players ahead of next month’s deadline, but they should look a lot more competitive going forward if they get both Kupp and Nacua back.
Nacua had one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory last year. He played in all 17 games for the Rams, tallying 105 catches for 1,486 yards with 6 receiving touchdowns.
Matthew Stafford has rarely had both Kupp and Nacua on the field at the same time to throw to, so the veteran quarterback must be excited about having his two top wideouts back in the fold.
