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Star Rams WR Cooper Kupp, on IR, returning to practice

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp practiced on Wednesday, and although the injury report said he was a limited participant, coach Sean McVay said he would go through a "normal" practice.

Earlier in the day, the Rams designated Kupp to return to practice, starting his 21-day practice window. The receiver has been on injured reserve with a hamstring injury since the start of the season, missing the Rams' first four games.

"He said he's feeling really good," McVay said before practice on Wednesday. "I trust him. He's a guy that really knows his body really well, very experienced player and so there'll be an ongoing dialogue.

"We want to be smart as we kind of ramp up his workload throughout the course of the week with the goal of him being ready to go and we'll see exactly what that looks like as the week progresses."

Kupp first injured the hamstring during a training camp practice Aug. 1. He then experienced a setback before the start of the season. Since Kupp's injury, McVay has said several times that the Rams are focused on Kupp "returning to performance" vs. just "returning to play."

Kupp has not played in a game since Week 10 of 2022 after an ankle injury ended his season. He had 75 catches for 812 yards and six touchdowns in nine games before the injury.

In Kupp's absence, the Rams have leaned on rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua. Nacua, a fifth-round pick, has 39 catches and 501 yards in four games, which are the most through a player's first four games in NFL history.

Matthew Stafford, who injured his hip in Week 4 but did not leave the game, was full go in practice. Running back Kyren Williams, who is also dealing with a hip injury, did not practice on Wednesday but is expected to play on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Rams also started the 21-day practice window for linebacker Ochaun Mathis.