Wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua return from injury absences as the Los Angeles Rams prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night in Inglewood, Calif. Kupp has not played since Week 2, when he sprained his ankle. He also wants to avoid too much discussion about his future as the NFL trade deadline approaches.
"I'm aware of it," Kupp said about trade rumors, "but at the end of the day, I mean, I'm going to be where my feet are. That's all I know. I have a job to do here.
And I take a lot of pride in giving everything I can for the guys in this building and being able to step on the field knowing that I prepared the best that I can." That means Kupp is focused on helping the Rams (2-4) try to post back-to-back wins for the first time this season. Los Angeles snapped a two-game losing streak by beating the visiting Las Vegas Raiders 20-15 last weekend.
Kupp was a full participant in practice all week while Nacua (knee) was activated from injured reserve on Thursday two days after the opening of his 21-day practice window. Nacua is expected to play for the first time since the season opener. 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.
Meanwhile, Minnesota (5-1) ho.
