Rams and Vikings hope to have key pieces back for prime-time meeting – Field Level Media – Professional Sports Content Solutions

Cooper Kupp is ready to return from an injury layoff as the Los Angeles Rams prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night in Inglewood, California.

Kupp hasn’t played since Week 2, when he sprained his ankle. He also wants to avoid too much discussion about his future as the NFL trade deadline approaches.

“I’m aware of it,” Kupp said of the trade rumors, “but at the end of the day I’m going to stay where I am.” That’s all I know. I have a job to do here. And I’m very proud to do everything I can for the guys in this building and to be able to step onto the field knowing that I prepared to the best of my ability.”

That means Kupp is focused on helping the Rams (2-4) post back-to-back wins for the first time this season. Los Angeles ended a two-game losing streak with a 20-15 win over the Las Vegas Raiders last weekend.

Meanwhile, Minnesota (5-1) hopes to bounce back from its first loss of the season. Last Sunday, the Vikings took a late lead against the Lions, but Jake Bates hit a 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds left to put Detroit on top for good against its division rival.

This week could mark the return of tight end TJ Hockenson for the Vikings. The veteran has been out since the end of last season when he suffered a torn ACL and ACL in his right knee.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said it’s “very possible” Hockenson could return against the Rams, although his workload could be limited.

“It’s still early,” O’Connell said as the Vikings returned to practice this week. “We will make this decision in the next few days. We want to have a good feel for it when developing our game plans.”

Hockenson caught 95 passes for 960 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games (11 starts) for Minnesota last season. His return would give quarterback Sam Darnold another top target in the passing game alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

Aaron Jones also said he feels good playing with a short break despite a hip injury that has been bothering him for a few weeks. Jones totaled 116 yards (93 rushing, 23 receiving) against Detroit.

“No problems,” Jones said. “I’m going to continue to stay on top of it and do everything I can to tick the boxes so I don’t end up in this situation (with the injury) again.”

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford will look to improve his 83.6 passer rating against a physical Vikings defense. Stafford has thrown for 1,392 yards and three touchdowns this season, including four interceptions.

Kyren Williams is the Rams’ biggest offensive threat. He rushed for 436 yards and eight touchdowns in six games (all starts).

Tutu Atwell leads the team’s receiving corps with 23 catches for 332 yards. Demarcus Robinson, Kupp and Williams each have a receiving touchdown.

Kupp participated fully in practice Tuesday while fellow receiver Puka Nacua was limited with a knee injury after his 21-day practice window opened. Defensive end Braden Fiske (back) and linebacker Troy Reeder (hamstring) were held off.

Linebacker Blake Cashman missed the Vikings’ practice on Tuesday because of a toe injury. Hockenson and Jones were among those limited.

–Field level media