The hits just keep on coming for the Rams.
One week after placing Puka Nacua on IR with a knee injury, head coach Sean McVay announced fellow star wide receiver Cooper Kupp will miss “an extended period of time” after injuring his ankle in Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals. He also revealed that Kupp is a candidate to be placed on IR for the third straight year.
It’s been a rough few seasons for Kupp, who authored a historic 2021 campaign in which he helped the Rams win a Super Bowl title. He became just the fifth wide receiver to ever win the triple crown, leading the league in catches (145), receiving yards (1,947) and touchdown receptions (16).
Unfortunately, he’s dealt with injuries ever since. Kupp played only nine games in 2022 after suffering a season-ending high-ankle sprain. He was on his way to another standout season at that point with 75 catches for 812 yards and six touchdowns. Meanwhile, Kupp missed the first four games of the 2023 campaign with a hamstring injury, finishing the year with 59 receptions for 737 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games.
Kupp was off to a fast start this season. He dominated the Lions in the Rams’ Week 1 overtime loss, catching 14 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. His performance saw his Offensive Player of the Year odds skyrocket from +8000 to +1700.
The Rams’ wide receiver depth will understandably be tested with Kupp and Nacua out for the foreseeable future. Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson, Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington are the only other four wideouts on the roster.
Los Angeles faces the 49ers this week as an 8-point underdog as they look to avoid an 0-3 start to the season. It’s tied with the Bengals laying eight against the Commanders for the biggest spread heading into Week 3.
