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After nearly six weeks without his primary receivers, Matthew Stafford is set to welcome back Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua as the Los Angeles Rams face off against the Minnesota Vikings. Kupp, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury, will rejoin the team tonight. Equally surprising, Puka Nacua, is expected to make his return after a prolonged absence due to a knee injury.

NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero shared on Good Morning Football that the Rams were hopeful about Nacua's participation in the Week 8 prime-time matchup. Los Angeles confirmed this optimism by activating Nacua off injured reserve later on Thursday. As a reminder, Nacua has only appeared in the Rams’ season opener against Detroit, a game that ended in heartbreak not just because of the loss but also because Nacua was carted off the field with his knee injury.

The Rams faced significant challenges with both Kupp and Nacua out, stripping Stafford of his top receiving options early in the season. Kupp's name was even swirling in trade rumors as he inched toward his return. Nacua’s comeback is more unexpected, given he only began his 21-day practice window this week, aiming to come back from injured reserve. His return by Thursday is a rapid turnaround, much quicker than many anticipated.

In the previous season, Nacua set a rookie receiving record with 105 catches for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns, forming a formidable duo with Kupp when both were fit. While Nacua may not be expected to play a majority of the snaps tonight, his presence alone adds an intriguing dynamic to this important game for the Rams. His ability to impact the game, even in a limited role, provides a much-needed boost to Stafford and the Rams' offense.