Rams' Star Receiver Cooper Kupp Faces Extended Absence

The Los Angeles Rams received disappointing injury news with the revelation that star wideout Cooper Kupp is set to miss an extended period due to an ankle injury.

The Los Angeles Rams' injury woes continue to mount, with the latest blow being the extended absence of star receiver Cooper Kupp. The news, announced by head coach Sean McVay, comes after Kupp suffered an ankle injury during the Rams' 41-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday. The severity of Kupp's injury remains undisclosed, but McVay indicated that he could potentially land on the injured reserve list.

This setback is a significant blow to the Rams' offense, which has already been hampered by injuries to wide receiver Puka Nacua and quarterback Matthew Stafford's makeshift offensive line. The loss of Kupp, who recorded a team-high 14 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown in the season-opening overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills, leaves a gaping hole in the Rams' receiving corps.

Rams' Star Receiver Cooper Kupp Faces Extended Absence

Along with Nacua, Stafford has been playing behind a makeshift offensive line, with both Joe Noteboom and Steve Avila on injured reserve. McVay also revealed that guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III could potentially join Kupp on the IR.

Kupp's latest injury occurred in the second quarter of the Rams' game against the Cardinals when he attempted to gain yards after a catch. A Cardinals player rolled up on Kupp's ankle, forcing him to leave the field. Although he briefly tried to return to the game, the Rams ultimately ruled him out with an ankle injury.

Rams' Star Receiver Cooper Kupp Faces Extended Absence

The Rams' offensive coordinator, Liam Coen, expressed concern about how Kupp's absence will affect the team's play-calling. "Cooper is a huge part of our offense," Coen said. "He commands double teams, which creates openings for other players. Without him, we'll have to adjust our schemes and find ways to get the ball into the hands of our other receivers."

Kupp has a history of ankle injuries, missing significant time in the past two seasons. In 2022, he suffered a Grade 3 high ankle sprain in Week 10, knocking him out for the remainder of the year. In 2023, Kupp battled through a hamstring strain and a right ankle sprain.

Rams' Star Receiver Cooper Kupp Faces Extended Absence

With Kupp out, the Rams will need to rely more heavily on receivers Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell, and Jordan Whittington. However, none of these players has the same experience or production as Kupp, who was named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year in 2021.

The Rams' injury woes are a significant challenge for McVay, who is entering his sixth season as the team's head coach. The Rams are now 1-1 on the season and will face the San Francisco 49ers next week.