Starting linebacker Blake Cashman (Turf Toe) and reserve cornerback Akayleb Evans (hip) missed the second game in a row due to injury.

Rams receiver Puka Nacua made a big impact in his return from injured reserve. Nacua was a surprise Thursday night, having practiced just once since injuring his knee in the season opener. He appeared to be in midseason form with seven grabs for 106 yards against the Vikings.

Star receiver Cooper Kupp also played Thursday, returning from an ankle injury in Week 2 and catching a touchdown. Kupp helped seal the game for the Rams with a 28-yard grab on third down in the fourth quarter.

The Vikings defense had not allowed an opening score or a first quarter touchdown in six games this season. The Rams were able to do both, thanks in part to the linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. He was charged with a face mask penalty, setting up the first score for the Rams offense. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw a 5-yard touchdown to the running back Kyren Williams, which slipped past Pace in coverage over the middle.

Stafford and the Rams’ offense hunted the middle of the field, where Cashman intercepted five passes in five games before suffering a turf toe injury in the Oct. 6 win over the Jets.

The Vikings defense suddenly became a penalty threat in Los Angeles, where she became an edge rusher Jihad district and cornerbacks Byron Murphy Jr. And Stephon Gilmore gave the Rams first downs with third-down flags. Defensive holding calls to Murphy and Gilmore extended a drive that ended with Stafford’s 7-yard touchdown to Kupp that tied the score at 14-14 in the second quarter.