(Thousand Oaks) Cooper Kupp watched in awe as Matthew Stafford, rookie Puka Nacua and the Los Angeles Rams showcased one of the best aerial games in the NFL through the first four games of the season.

Kupp is finally ready to contribute again.

The Super Bowl 56 MVP is set to make his season debut Sunday, when the Rams (2-2) host Philadelphia (4-0).

Kupp returned to practice this week after missing the first month of the regular season with a rear thigh injury.

The 30-year-old wide receiver suffered an injury early in training camp and worsened his condition in late August.

“It’s been a long time since I played a real match,” Kupp said Friday. I’m very excited to come back, but I had a lot of fun watching the guys play. »

Kupp has not played since mid-November in 2022.

He missed the final eight games of last season with an ankle injury after catching 75 passes for 812 yards, including six touchdowns.

The Rams had the worst record of a defending Super Bowl champion last year (5-12), playing without Kupp, Stafford or Aaron Donald late in the campaign.

They bounced back this season with a restored Stafford utilizing the Rams’ supporting receiver group to great effect.

Nacua was the most productive receiver in NFL history through the first four games of a career (501 yards, on 39 catches), while Tutu Atwell excelled with 270 yards on 22 receptions.

The addition of Kupp’s expertise seems very likely to make the Rams even more difficult to counter.

“I’ve seen the way these guys work,” Kupp said. They are effective. They ask the right questions. They play for each other. Everything you need to become a successful football team. We’re growing and I think the guys are building something pretty special. »

Kupp had one of the greatest seasons in NFL history in 2021, winning the Triple Crown at his position.

He then helped the Rams win the Super Bowl for the first time since moving to Los Angeles.