The Los Angeles Rams, currently with a 2-4 record, are set to face the Minnesota Vikings on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 8. The team has had a challenging start to the season.

Back in Week 2, they lost wide receiver Cooper Kupp due to a high ankle sprain.

The offense took a hit early on when Puka Nacua left the field with an injury before halftime in the opening week. Last season, Nacua made a name for himself, breaking rookie records for most receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486), a yardage record that stood for 63 years. He has been on injured reserve since the Rams’ first game of the season.

Here’s the latest on Puka Nacua’s injury status and expected return:

What is Puka Nacua’s Return Timeline?

On October 22, the Rams announced that Puka Nacua has been cleared to come off IR and has returned to practice, working towards recovery from a Grade-2 PCL strain.

He could be back on the field as early as Week 8 against the Vikings. The team has listed him as questionable after completing two limited practices.

Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur addressed the media on October 22, indicating that Nacua’s availability for Thursday’s game is still uncertain. He mentioned that the 23-year-old hasn’t practiced at full intensity for a while, stating, “I haven’t seen him out on the field since that Detroit game. Just having him back with us and designated to return is a positive step.”

With Kupp likely to be back for Thursday’s game, the Rams might choose to be cautious with Nacua. They travel to play the Seahawks in Week 9, suggesting they may take a careful approach to reintegrate Nacua into practice this week, aiming for him to participate fully in practices leading up to their game against Seattle.

What Happened to Puka Nacua?

Nacua sustained his injury in the Rams’ first game of the 2024 NFL season against the Detroit Lions.

He left the game after making a sliding catch on a crucial third-down play during the first half, showing signs of discomfort as he limped off the field to receive medical attention.

It seems Nacua’s injury may have been an ongoing issue, given he missed considerable time during training camp due to a knee problem. However, he was listed as a full participant in practices leading up to Week 1 after returning to practice on August 26.

His Grade-2 PCL strain did not necessitate surgery, and he has been rehabilitating with the team’s medical staff.

Rams’ Wide Receiver Depth Chart

As Cooper Kupp gets set to return in Week 8 and with Puka Nacua still recovering, here’s the current Rams wide receiver depth chart:

• Cooper Kupp
• Demarcus Robinson
• Jordan Whittington
• Tutu Atwell
• Tyler Johnson

Veteran receiver Robinson has taken on an increased role alongside Tutu Atwell and rookie Jordan Whittington, who is currently dealing with a shoulder injury and likely won’t play in Week 8.

Since Week 2, Atwell has led the team with 332 receiving yards and 34 targets.

Understanding the NFL’s 21-Day Practice Window

The 21-day practice window is a three-week timeframe that allows teams to evaluate a player’s progress after being placed on injured reserve (IR). Once a player is cleared to begin practicing, the 21-day window opens, during which the team must either activate the player to the active roster or rule them out for the rest of the season.