In a much-needed boost for their struggling offense, the Los Angeles Rams have activated star wide receiver Puka Nacua from injured reserve ahead of their Thursday night clash with the Minnesota Vikings. Nacua, who set rookie receiving records last season, has missed the Rams’ last five games with a PCL sprain suffered in Week 1.
The dynamic wideout initially hurt his knee during training camp but reaggravated the injury in LA’s season opener, when he posted 4 catches for 35 yards before exiting. His absence, combined with a lingering ankle issue for Cooper Kupp, has left the defending champions shorthanded in the passing game during their sluggish 2-4 start.
But with both Nacua and Kupp set to return against Minnesota, quarterback Matthew Stafford will finally have his full arsenal of weapons at his disposal. The duo formed one of the NFL’s most prolific receiving tandems in 2023, with Nacua’s 105 receptions and 1,486 yards both setting new rookie records.
Reeder to IR in Corresponding Move
To make room for Nacua on the 53-man roster, the Rams placed starting inside linebacker Troy Reeder on injured reserve with a hamstring issue. He will miss at least the next four games, further testing the depth of an LA defense that has struggled to contain opposing offenses.
After ranking as a top-10 scoring defense during their Super Bowl run last season, the Rams have surrendered 26.8 points per game through the first third of their title defense. The pass rush in particular has fallen off dramatically without Von Miller, managing just 10 sacks compared to 18 at the same point in 2023.
Offensive Reinforcements Arrive Just in Time
While Reeder’s absence could loom large for the struggling defense, the Rams are surely thrilled to welcome back Nacua and Kupp as they look to rebound from an uneven first six weeks. Even with last year’s Offensive Player of the Year sidelined since Week 2, LA still leads the league in passing yards per game thanks to Stafford’s connection with offseason addition Odell Beckham Jr.
Beckham’s renaissance has been one of this season’s most pleasant surprises, with the former Giants and Browns star on pace for his first 1,000-yard campaign since 2016. But his chemistry with Stafford is still a work in progress, as evidenced by their combined five turnovers over the past two games.
Getting Kupp and especially Nacua back in the fold should take some of the pressure off of the streaky Beckham. The second-year phenom adds a speed element that the Rams have sorely lacked, forcing defenses to respect the deep ball and opening up the short and intermediate areas where Kupp typically feasts.
Offensive Fireworks Expected on Thursday Night
That could spell trouble for a suspect Minnesota defense that ranks 28th against the pass and just allowed 379 yards and four touchdowns to rising star Tua Tagovailoa. The Vikings have enough firepower to keep pace behind Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson and Dalvin Cook, but they may be ill-equipped to handle a Rams attack finally back at full strength.
Thursday’s matchup was already shaping up as a potential shootout well before the Nacua news broke. But his return, coupled with the Vikings’ defensive woes, should have the scoreboard operator at SoFi Stadium working overtime in a crucial game for both teams’ playoff hopes.
The defending champs will be desperate to climb out of the NFC West basement, while Minnesota is hoping to keep pace with the unbeaten Packers in the North. With a pair of high-powered offenses going toe-to-toe under the bright lights, expect plenty of explosive plays and a frenetic pace from the opening kick.
For the Rams and their fans, the hope is that Nacua’s highly anticipated return can provide the spark to salvage their thus far frustrating title defense. According to a team source, the 23-year-old “looks better than ever” and has been chomping at the bit to get back on the field.
After five long weeks on the sideline, Puka Nacua is finally ready to remind the league why he’s the most electrifying young receiver in football. And his first order of business will be lighting up the Vikings in front of a national TV audience.
