Rams' Cooper Kupp to IR a 'Possibility,' Reveals Sean McVay
The latest updates surrounding Los Angeles Rams receiver Cooper Kupp continue to get worse and worse.
What started as the potential to miss Week 1 with a hamstring injury quickly became fact, with Rams coach Sean McVay confirming his absence during Wednesday's press conference ... and there's a chance he misses more than just Sunday's season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
When asked Wednesday about whether Kupp will be placed on injured reserve, McVay didn't turn away from the idea, instead leaving the door open for a potential move.
“It’s a possibility," McVay said. "We'll look into that. We want to be able to give him a little bit of time. We don't have to make that decision quite yet, but there's a possibility of that.”
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Kupp's official injury has been designated a soft tissue problem with his hamstring, though McVay noted it's a gray area. The 2021 Triple Crown winner re-aggravated the same injury he's been battling since early August.
Now, the Rams enter a waiting game with Kupp, seeing how he reacts and heals over the coming days. There's not much urgency as Los Angeles wants to ensure Kupp is his usual self upon returning, but there is a bit of motivation to make a decision one way or another.
“Saturday is the latest that we can decide that as it relates to just having him out for the next four weeks,” McVay said, adding that there's not a timeline for an official decision.
The 30-year-old Kupp missed the final eight games of last season with a high ankle sprain and now appears poised to miss at least a few games to start this season; he's frustrated, but McVay praised the manner in which he's handled his emotions and continued to lead around the locker room.
As for the Rams, McVay pointed out that the offense has been without Kupp for much of the summer, so the unit is prepared. During camp, Los Angeles saw young receivers TuTu Atwell and Puka Nacua ascend, while steady veterans Van Jefferson and Demarcus Robinson lived up to their billing. McVay is also fond of versatile third-year pro Ben Skowronek.
And so, even without Kupp in the fold, the Rams are confident going to Seattle - but there's no easy way to overcome the loss of an All-Pro wideout.
Nonetheless, Los Angeles will attempt to do exactly that, be it for one game or more, starting at 1:25 p.m. PST on Sunday afternoon.
