Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters on Monday that star wideout Cooper Kupp is expected to miss “an extended period of time” due to the ankle injury he suffered in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
McVay said he’s a candidate to go on injured reserve.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 15: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. Kupp will miss significant time with his injury.
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Kupp left the team’s 41-10 loss towards the end of the second quarter with his injury. He then returned for the final play before the half, before he had to be helped to the locker room at halftime. He was officially ruled “doubtful” to return but didn’t come back into the game.
The Rams already lost star wide receiver Puka Nacua to a sprained PCL, and he isn’t expected to return for five to seven weeks. The earliest he would be eligible to return in Week 7, as the Rams have a bye in Week 6. He’s currently on injured reserve.
If Kupp is placed on injured reserve, the earliest he would be eligible to return is Week 8. That will leave the Rams without their top two offensive weapons for at least the first half of the 2024 season.
Kupp put together an unbelievable Week 1 performance, catching 14 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown in the Rams’ overtime loss to the Detroit Lions. He seemed primed to return to his 2021 form, but will now miss a good chunk of this season, one that is starting to look like a lost one for the Rams.
In addition to Kupp and Nacua, the Rams have offensive lineman Joe Noteboom, KT Leveston, Conor McDermott, and Steve Avila on the IR, with offensive lineman Jonah Jackson an IR possibility. On the defensive side of the ball, defensive lineman Larrell Murchison and cornerbacks Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick are on IR, with safety John Johnson a possibility to join them.
Fantasy Football Impact of Cooper Kupp Injury
With Kupp out for the foreseeable future, and Puka Nacua also set to miss at least the next month, the Rams wide receivers are all fair game in fantasy football.
Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson appear to be the best two options, with Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington being candidates to add to your bench.
Robinson, Johnson, and one of the latter two receivers will be considered “starters” on the Rams updated depth chart.
Robinson has six receptions for 92 yards on 11 targets this season. Johnson has seven receptions for 99 yards on 10 targets this season.
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