When the Los Angeles Rams suffered two major injuries to Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua in September, it seemed like an eternity until they got those players back.
But heading into October, the Rams are healthier. Now they have to figure out how to deal with this situation.
Kupp, who injured his ankle in Week 2, was removed from the injury report this week by the Rams ahead of their Thursday night game against the Minnesota Vikings. It was a little more surprising to see Nacua listed as questionable on the injury report and then activated to the list from injured reserve on Thursday. Nacua was activated for Thursday night’s game, as he was not on the team’s inactive list which was submitted 90 minutes before kickoff, via Greg Beacham of the Associated Press.
Nacua suffered a knee injury that he nursed until August and was injured again in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions.
The pair is invaluable to the Rams offense. Kupp is a favorite target of Matthew Stafford, not far removed from a 1,947-yard season in 2021 that ended with a Super Bowl MVP. Nacua was a big story as a rookie last season, setting records with 105 catches for 1,486 yards. The Rams offense missed these players as they started 2-4 this season. But it’s more complicated than just collecting coins.
Thursday’s game could change the way the Rams view the next few weeks, and it could also change the landscape of the NFL. There have been reports that Rams discussed Kupp trade with teams. Whether they win Thursday night and improve to 3-4, or lose and fall to 2-5, that could influence whether they become more aggressive in their purchases Kupp – and maybe even Stafford — or they keep it around in hopes that a healthier offense pushes them into the playoffs. How Kupp views his return could also influence trade talks.
Nacua isn’t going anywhere as a phenom in just his second season, but Kupp might be the most impactful player that could be reasonably available in a trade before the November 5 deadline. Thursday night should also go a long way in determining the future of Kupp and the Rams. Los Angeles made the playoffs last season and if they go 3-4 while getting their receivers back, the Rams might think they can make a push.
Either way, it’s good news for the Rams to be healthier. After playing more than a third of the season without Kupp and Nacua, the offense will need some reinforcements.