Rams Officially Activate Puka Nacua For Thursday Night Football

2 months ago 7

The Los Angeles Rams are getting back their biggest stars for the important Thursday Night Football matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. It was already announced that Cooper Kupp was a full participant and would suit up for the game. Now, the team has officially activated Puka Nacua.

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Nacua has been out since Week 1 when he suffered a knee injury. Now, he finally returns to help rebound the Rams' 2-4 season.

Nacua has been out for multiple weeks due to a PCL sprain he suffered in Week 1 of the regular season. Before that, he burst a bursa sac in his knee during training camp and was kept out of training for some time.

Nacua's multiple injuries were likely what kept him out for multiple games, but he will now return tonight against the Vikings.

Nacua and Kupp returning in the same game is going to be huge for the Rams offense, as they have been struggling mightily without their best weapons. Granted, running back Kyren Williams has been on fire with nine consecutive games with a rushing TD, but he has been alone in dynamic plays.

Matthew Stafford now has Williams, Kupp, and Nacua to help confuse the defensive attack that the Vikings have. The issue is the Vikings are one of the most formidable defenses in the entire league under Brian Flores.

The Rams are currently 2-4 on the season and are starting down a reality where they cannot climb out of such a big hole to challenge the NFC for a playoff spot. A big reason for their record is the mountain of injuries they have faced on both sides of the ball.

Kupp, Nacua, Steve Avila, Joe Noteboom, and Jonah Jackson have all been out for multiple weeks, forcing the Rams to try and come up with answers on the offensive side of the ball. They have clearly struggled, but things might start to change for the team with both star receivers back on the field.

Nacua emerged as one of the biggest surprises in 2023. A rookie out of BYU, Nacua would go on to set NFL records as a rookie for 105 receptions and 1,486 receiving yards. The young rookie was named a Pro Bowler and Second-team All-Pro for his efforts.

Nacua might be kept on a snaps restriction, but at least he will return to the lineup on TNF. With Kupp and Nacua suiting up, they could cause some problems for the Vikings' secondary.

For more on the Rams, head to Newsweek Sports.