Originally published by RamsNewswire.com
The Los Angeles Rams came out of their bye with a 20-15 win over the Las Vegas Raiders and now look to keep the momentum when they host the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football.
The Rams will be getting a big part of their offense back as Cooper Kupp is returning for the first time since Week 2 when he sustained a high ankle sprain and Puka Nacua is returning for the first time since Week 1 due to a knee injury.
Kupp returned to practice last week and had a chance to play against the Raiders, but the Rams held him out as he wasn’t quite back to his usual self yet.
Kupp and Nacua’s presence will be a welcome boost to a Rams wide receiver corps that has been limited to Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson, Tutu Atwell and rookie Jordan Whittington in recent weeks. Whittington has been dealing with a shoulder injury, which limited him to nine snaps against the Raiders and will keep him out of this one.
As for the Vikings, they are coming off their first loss of the season to the Detroit Lions and will be looking to get back in the win column.
The Vikings could also be getting back a key part of their offense in T.J. Hockenson, who has been sidelined since the end of the 2023 season due to an ACL and MCL tear.
Hockenson has established himself as one of the best tight ends in the league, catching 95 passes for 960 yards and five touchdowns last season.
If Hockenson returns, the Rams defense will have their hands full trying to contain a Vikings offense that already includes All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Aaron Jones, among others.
The Rams enter the matchup as three-point underdogs, which marks the sixth time in seven games this season that they are not favored. The Rams were seven-point favorites against the Raiders on Sunday.
What will Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua’s workloads be?
While Kupp and Nacua are expected to suit up against the Vikings, Rams head coach Sean McVay said he isn’t sure how many snaps they will receive.
It’s possible the Rams could ease both back in, which would place a greater emphasis on the team’s other wide receivers.
Big day for Matthew Stafford?
Stafford has done his best with limited options to throw to this season, but he should have a much easier time against a Vikings defense that ranks 30th with 260.3 passing yards allowed per game.
In contrast, the Vikings have allowed only 80 rushing yards per game this season, which ranks second among NFL teams.
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