Puka Nacua rushes for over 100 yards in return as the Rams-Vikings end in controversy

The Los Angeles Rams were expected to have Cooper Kupp back on the roster Thursday night, but no one expected Puka Nacua to be back as well.

And they definitely didn't expect him to rush for more than 100 yards to help the Rams to a big 30-20 victory over the NFC's best team of all time, the Minnesota Vikings.

Matthew Stafford threw four touchdowns on the night, including one to Kupp, although the veteran wideout's night wasn't the best return on offense. Nacua managed 106 yards on seven catches, a shocking feat considering his practice window just opened this week.

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Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at SoFi Stadium on October 24, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Harry How/Getty Images)

However, Kupp had 5 catches for 51 yards in his first game since injuring his ankle in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals.

But there was massive controversy at the end of that game when the Vikings' final drive ended with what looked like a face mask on quarterback Sam Darnold in the end zone.

Instead, officers completely missed Byron Young grabbing Darnold's face mask and instead deemed it a safety measure.

RAMS ACTIVATE PUKA NACUA FROM INJURED RESERVE AFTER 5 GAMES ABSENCE

Since the Vikings were down eight points in a two-minute drill, there was definitely enough time to get the ball downfield for a two-point conversion for a possible tie. But the drive and the game ended with the safety and a botched onside punt (if there is such a thing).

Justin Jefferson, who rushed for a game-high 115 yards on eight receptions, slammed his helmet on the sideline, knowing his team had been robbed of a chance at a possible overtime.

But since the first quarter, when they scored a touchdown on their first two drives, the Vikings haven't been able to get anything going on offense.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) plays against the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter at US Bank Stadium. (Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images)

However, the Rams were able to keep up with them, and that had a lot to do with Nacua, who proved to be more than just a decoy that head coach Sean McVay threw at the line of scrimmage. His efforts on the first drive helped Stafford & Co. race down the field and cap their drive with a touchdown to star running back Kyren Williams.

Williams, who has reached the end zone in every game this season, totaled 97 yards on 23 carries and had five catches for 19 yards through the air.

While Nacua and Kupp had success in the second half, Demarcus Robinson found the end zone twice, which were his only catches for 35 yards.

For Stafford, he had 279 yards with four touchdowns and one interception on 25 of 34 passing, while Darnold had 240 yards on 18 of 25.

Puka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles Rams and Cooper Kupp #10 before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium on October 24, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Harry How/Getty Images)

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For the Vikings, Aaron Jones also added 58 yards on the ground and 37 yards through the air for 95 yards of offense.

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