Los Angeles Rams expect to have WR Cooper Kupp back Thursday

INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is expected to return from an ankle injury to play Thursday night against the Minnesota Vikings , coach Sean McVay said Sunday.

Kupp has not played since he sprained his ankle in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals and was listed as questionable to play in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders .

McVay said Kupp was "close" to playing Sunday, but ultimately "it was about return to performance, not necessarily return to play."

"And hopefully Thursday will represent that for us," McVay said.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford said he's "excited" for Kupp to return after missing four games.

"He's missing being out there, so I'm excited for him," Stafford said after the Rams' 20-15 win over the Raiders. "Excited for our offense, our team. He's a great player and those guys are tough to come by so when you can get him back, it's always a great thing.

"I think it's great for that room too. I mean, just having his presence around, guys love being around him and working with him."

In two games this season before his injury, Kupp has 18 catches for 147 yards and a touchdown.