Coffee might have been Kupp’s offseason business venture, but the Los Angeles Rams got their jolt of energy Thursday night. The veteran receiver’s return from a four-game absence, coupled with head coach Sean McVay’s firm stance on trade rumors, sparked a 30-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium.

“These guys are ballers and they were ready to go,” Sean McVay declared about Puka and Kupp’s return after injury.

McVay shot down the trade speculation with unmistakable clarity in his post-game press conference. “Teams reached out. Some of the things I’ve seen out there, they’re just not true,” McVay stated, addressing the media for the first time since the rumors gained traction. His words put a spotlight on the growing whispers about Kupp’s future with the team.

The timing spoke volumes. Kupp, sidelined by an ankle injury since Week 2, made his presence felt immediately. The 2021 NFL offensive player of the year hauled in five catches for 51 yards and a touchdown. But numbers only tell part of the story. His impact showed up in drawn pass-interference penalties and a game-changing 27-yard grab on the Rams’ final offensive drive.

The night turned into a double celebration. Puka Nacua, activated just hours before kickoff after spending five games on injured reserve with a knee injury, blazed through the Vikings’ defense for 106 yards on seven catches. After dropping his first pass of the night, the second-year pro quickly found his stride, looking every bit like the record-setting rookie from 2023.

Their combined firepower transformed the Rams’ offense. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who entered the game with only three touchdown passes this season, lit up SoFi Stadium with four scoring strikes. He connected on 25 of 34 passes for 279 yards, finding both familiar targets and newcomer Demarcus Robinson for two touchdowns.

Now let’s get deper on what Mcvay said about the trade rumours.

McVay’s strong stance reflects team’s inside-out philosophy

The Rams head coach didn’t just dismiss the trade rumors – he pulled back the curtain on the team’s approach. “We’ve addressed it with those individuals. Teams have called about him and we let him know what the dialogue was there,” McVay explained, pushing back against what he called “unfortunate” reporting without accountability.

When reporters pressed about whether the night’s performance might change the trade equation, McVay doubled down. “I think a lot of the things that were out there were speculation,” he fired back. “We’re an inside-out organization. I’m really glad to have Cooper Kupp back with us, and that’s what I expect to stay that way.”

The connection between Stafford and his receivers runs deep. “There’s a confidence, there’s a comfort, there’s a rapport that’s been established with Matthew and Cooper over years,” McVay emphasized.

With the NFL trade deadline looming on November 5 – just two days after their crucial NFC West battle against the Seattle Seahawks – McVay’s words carry weight. For a Rams team that’s found its stride with consecutive wins and improved to 3-4, Kupp’s presence might just be the missing piece they needed to mirror last season’s playoff push from a similar 3-6 start.