Rams WR Puka Nacua will play against the Vikings after a 5-game absence with a knee injury

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams have activated receiver Puka Nacua from injured reserve after a five-game absence, and he will likely be accessible to play towards the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night time.

Cooper Kupp additionally will return from a four-game damage absence for the Rams (2-4) towards Minnesota (5-1).

Nacua has been out since he sprained a ligament in his knee through the first half of the Rams’ season-opening loss to Detroit final month. He was designated to return to follow through the Rams’ quick week of preparation for Minnesota, and the crew decided in pregame warmups that the record-setting wideout was able to play.

Nacua made the Professional Bowl final 12 months after his unprecedented debut season. The fifth-round decide was the most efficient rookie receiver in NFL historical past, catching 105 passes for 1,486 yards — each league information for rookies — and 6 touchdowns.

He additionally set NFL rookie information for probably the most catches in a recreation (15 towards San Francisco) and yards receiving in a playoff recreation (181 towards Detroit).

However Nacua was slowed in coaching camp by a knee damage this 12 months. He caught 4 passes for 35 yards within the season opener towards the Lions earlier than aggravating the damage, and he went on injured reserve days later.

The Rams then misplaced Kupp to an ankle damage in Week 2, and coach Sean McVay’s crew has struggled for offense with out Matthew Stafford’s high two playmakers. Stafford has thrown solely three landing passes this season, and simply two prior to now 5 video games.

The Rams put linebacker Troy Reeder on injured reserve to make room for Nacua. Reeder, who begins and typically calls the defensive alerts for Los Angeles, has a hamstring damage.

Kupp was all however sure to play towards the Vikings after he sat out final week’s victory over Las Vegas. The Tremendous Bowl 56 MVP can also be the goal of quite a few commerce rumors.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL