Kupp 'Setback,' Will He Play Week 1?

Originally posted on FanNation Ram Digest
By Casey Smith | Last updated 8/31/23

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp's return to playing might be a little longer than anticipated.

Kupp said Aug. 24 that his intention was that "I'm playing" when the Rams took on the Seattle Seahawks, but a "muscle strain" he suffered has put his status for Week 1 in question, head coach Sean McVay announced Thursday.

"We're kind of taking it day-by-day with him," McVay said. "I would probably call it a setback."

Kupp was limited to nine games last season, missing the final eight with an ankle injury. Kupp had 75 receptions for 812 yards and six touchdowns before his injury.

In training camp during his return from the ankle injury, Kupp suffered a hamstring injury that held him out of preseason practices. Kupp was never going to play in the games in an abundance of caution whether he was healthy or not.

Kupp has played just two full seasons in his six years in the NFL.

The Rams recently cut down their active roster and kept six wide receivers. Kupp was joined by Van Jefferson, Tutu Atwell, Demarcus Robinson, Puka Nacua and Ben Skowronek on the 53-man roster.

Los Angeles signed pass-catchers Tyler Johnson, Austin Trammell and Xavier Smith — three wide receivers that were with the Rams for the preseason — to the team's 16-man practice squad.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford will also have tight ends Tyler Higbee, Brycen Hopkins, Hunter Long and Davis Allen to throw to if Kupp can't go in the Rams' season opener Sept. 10.

This article first appeared on FanNation Ram Digest and was syndicated with permission.

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