Rams activate WR Puka Nacua (knee) off injured reserve ahead of ...

Kupp has been trending toward a return for a couple of weeks now, so much that his name has been tossed into a frenzied trade deadline rumor mill regarding receivers. Nacua is a surprise to most everyone.

Nacua had his 21–day practice window opened this week, setting him on a course to return from injured reserve before long. Those windows are 21 days long for a reason, though, and returning Thursday night lands on the shorter side of things and gives Stafford a receiving threat he has sorely needed for weeks.

Nacua set a rookie receiving record in 2023, catching 105 passes for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns, making for a dangerous one-two punch with Kupp (when he was available) for the Rams. Nacua won't be expected to play a majority of the offensive snaps. But his presence alone will certainly provide a twist in this Thursday night narrative.