LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams have announced that wide receiver Puka Nacua is set to return to practice after being sidelined for five games due to a knee injury.

The team revealed this news on Tuesday as they prepare to take on the Minnesota Vikings this Thursday night at SoFi Stadium.

Last season, Nacua made history as the most productive rookie receiver in NFL history, achieving impressive stats that included 105 receptions for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns — all of which are rookie records. Additionally, he established two significant records for rookies: the highest number of receptions in a single game with 15 catches against San Francisco and the most yards by a rookie in a playoff game, racking up 181 yards against Detroit.

Unfortunately, Nacua’s progress was hindered this training camp due to a knee injury. He managed to record four receptions for 35 yards in the season opener against the Lions before exiting the game early with a knee setback, which subsequently led to him being placed on injured reserve.

The Rams, currently holding a 2-4 record, have faced challenges in the absence of both Nacua and fellow starting receiver Cooper Kupp, who sustained an injury in Week 2 during a game against Arizona. Kupp returned to practice last week, and Coach Sean McVay is hopeful that the Super Bowl 56 MVP will be available for the matchup against the Vikings.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford has experienced difficulties maintaining consistent performance without his primary receiving options, as he has passed for just 1,392 yards, which ranks 31st in the NFL, and has thrown only three touchdown passes along with four interceptions. Remarkably, Stafford’s 154 passing yards during the Rams’ narrow 20-15 win over Las Vegas last Sunday marked his lowest total in a game since joining the team.

Leading the receptions for the Rams this season is Tutu Atwell, who has accumulated 23 catches for a total of 332 yards.