Reports: Rams WR Puka Nacua could play Thursday night

Field Level Media|published: Thu 24th October, 12:47 2024

Sep 8, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) is carted off the field after being injured against the Detroit Lions in the first half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Two days after the Los Angeles Rams opened the 21-day practice window for wide receiver Puka Nacua, he appears ready to kick down the door to play Thursday night against the Minnesota Vikings.

NFL Network reported Thursday the Rams are "optimistic" Nacua is ready to play, which would require a decision to activate him off injured reserve.

In addition to Nacua, wide receiver Cooper Kupp practiced this week and plans to be on the field Thursday for the first time since Week 2.

Nacua, 23, dealt with a knee issue in training camp and then sprained his PCL in the season-opening contest against the Detroit Lions. He had four receptions for 35 yards in the 26-20 road loss.

Last season, Nacua set NFL rookie records of 105 receptions and 1,486 yards in 17 games. He caught six touchdown passes while earning Pro Bowl honors.

Kupp, 31, has been injury prone over the last three seasons since his mammoth 2021 campaign in which he won the receiver triple crown by leading the NFL with 145 catches, 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also was Super Bowl MVP that season when the Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals.

--Field Level Media

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