Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Rams WR Cooper Kupp has eyes on Philadelphia

By Bruce Ewing | Last updated 9/27/23

The best player on the L.A. Rams has his eyes set on Philadelphia and that could be a problem for the Eagles.

Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp has yet to play a game in 2023. He injured his hamstring in training camp and was put on the injured reserve after suffering a setback in his recovery. Players on the IR must sit out at least four games which means if healthy, Kupp could return for the team’s Week 5 matchup against Philadelphia.

"That's the hope," Sean McVay told reporters on Wednesday, per the Rams' official website. Kupp is "ramping up his workload" and "progressing," according to the Rams head coach. "And we want him to be able to return to performance at the level that he's capable of."

That’s great news for L.A. but not so much for Philadelphia.

INJURY UPDATE: Cooper Kupp (hamstring) ‘ramping up and progressing’ per Sean McVay. Hopeful to come off IR and be ready for Week 5 vs @Eagles pic.twitter.com/1NRt3SGNvD
— The Fantasy Source (@FantasySource_) September 27, 2023

While he Eagles are undefeated, their defense has struggled to cover receivers at times. Before shutting down Tampa Bay QB Baker Mayfield on Monday night, the team gave up four passing touchdowns to Vikings QB Kirk Cousins in Week 2 and three scores to Patriots QB Mac Jones in the season-opener.

Even without Kupp, the Rams passing game has looked good through the first three games. Their 852 passing yards are fourth-most in the NFL, thanks in large part to the team’s fifth-round pick, Puka Nacua.

The former BYU Cougar ranks fourth among NFL receivers this year with 338 yards, more than better known pass-catchers like the Raiders’ Davante Adams and the Bills’ Stephon Diggs. Just imagine what he can do with Kupp on the field.

Kupp has 10 catches for 199 yards and one touchdown in two career games against Philadelphia. In 2021, he posted seven catches for 108 yards and a score against the Chicago Bears and their defensive coordinator Sean Desai.

Desai is Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator, now. This week, his squad will be focused on stopping Sam Howell, Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders offense. But when a team has a former Triple Crown winner on the horizon, you can bet someone on the Eagles’ staff is keeping tabs on Kupp’s recovery.

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