Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua has been cleared to return to practice after missing five games due to a knee injury.
The Rams announced this about their Pro Bowl receiver on Tuesday. Los Angeles is set to play against Minnesota on Thursday night at SoFi Stadium.
Nacua had an impressive rookie season last year, making 105 catches for 1,486 yards, setting records for rookies in both categories, along with six touchdowns. He also set NFL rookie records for the most catches in a single game (15 against San Francisco) and for receiving yards in a playoff game (181 against Detroit).
However, this year, he faced a setback in training camp due to a knee injury. He caught four passes for 35 yards in the Rams’ first game against the Lions before leaving in the first half with a knee injury and later going on injured reserve.
The Rams (2-4) have struggled without Nacua and fellow starting receiver Cooper Kupp, who was injured in Week 2 against Arizona. Kupp returned to practice last week, and coach Sean McVay is hopeful that the Super Bowl 56 MVP will play against the Vikings.
Matthew Stafford has had a hard time maintaining consistent performance without his top targets, passing for 1,392 yards with just three touchdown passes, which ranks 31st in the NFL, along with four interceptions. Stafford’s 154 passing yards in the Rams’ 20-15 win over Las Vegas last Sunday were the fewest he has had in a game during his four seasons with the Rams.
This season, Los Angeles’ leading receiver is Tutu Atwell, who has made 23 catches for 332 yards.
