While Kupp was not expected to play, Rams HC Sean McVay has confirmed that Kupp will be out vs. Chicago
The Los Angeles Rams, fresh off a huge win vs. the division rival San Francisco 49ers, are now preparing for a pivotal Week 4 matchup in the windy city against the Chicago Bears. While beating the niners was a big moral boost for the team, LA is still dealing with plenty of the same injuries and unfortunately will continue to have many key players on IR for at least another week.
One player already ruled out by head coach Sean McVay is veteran WR Cooper Kupp. On Monday, McVay confirmed that while Kupp is attacking his rehab every single day, he will not be ready by this weekend.
“As far as Cooper, he’s attacking every single day. Not going to be available for this week, if that’s what you’re asking.”
While most were not expecting Kupp to be back so quickly from his ankle injury, he was also never officially put on IR, and may have a chance to return sooner than later. Kupp did not need a procedure done on his ankle after the injury, and the Rams have an early bye in Week 6 which is now starting to look like a blessing given all the injuries.
Last week, McVay said he wasn’t placing a timeline on his wideout’s return because he doesn’t “want to put any expectations or unnecessary things on him.”
“He’s going to do everything in his power to get back,” McVay said “Whenever that is, we’ll be excited about that and happy for him.”
Kupp will obviously miss this week, and most-likely next week vs the Green Bay Packers, but putting two and two together, it looks like Kupp could be potentially eyeing a return after the team’s bye in Week 7 vs the Los Angeles Raiders.
Luckily for Los Angeles, the team’s offense played well last week even without Kupp and second-year WR Puka Nacua, who was placed on IR with a knee injury after Week 1. WR Tutu Atwell stepped up in relief duty vs. San Francisco, totaling 4 receptions for 93 yards. The fourth-year receiver has been somewhat of a letdown since his second round selection in 2021, but he may have a bigger opportunity to carve out a role for himself in the offense while LA’s top two targets are out of commission.
Atwell and the Rams will look to continue their winning ways this Sunday in Chicago. The team will have a chance to get their season on track with a win, putting them back to .500, and into to a contending position in the struggling NFC West.
