The news keeps getting worse for Cooper Kupp.
In the space of several days, the Los Angeles Rams All-Pro wide receiver has progressed from a hamstring injury, to a possible problem with a nerve issue.
Friday, Rams head coach Sean McVay laid out more bad news: Kupp might miss more than just the opener. McVay said it’s a “definite possibility” Kupp could go on IR, which would cost him at least four games.
And as NBC Sports reported, “If Kupp goes on injured reserve, he’ll have to miss at least four games and the prospect of a deeper problem suggests that could be a best-case scenario for getting Kupp back on the field.”
Nerve issues, if that is the diagnosis, can be tricky things. Kupp went to see a specialist earlier this week.
In the meantime, the Rams are facing life without Kupp, definitely for Week 1, possibly much longer. That leaves an inexperienced trio of wide receivers stepping up to fill the void. Fourth-year receiver Van Jefferson figures to get the most work trying to fill Kupp’s volume, but Tutu Atwell (18 career catches), recently signed veteran Demarcus Robinson and rookie Puka Nacua don’t provide much depth.
Rams faithful think the latest Kupp news is a precursor for a long season.
My bold NFL prediction: the Rams are complete garbage this year. Without Cooper Kupp for weeks on end due to lingering hamstring issue, we could see Matt Stafford retire mid season
— Mister Tweets a Little (@chiefsilly) September 8, 2023
Personally I’m glad Cooper Kupp will be on IR. He is a human being with emotions, not just some pawn on a football field. This will give him enough time to let his body heal and he will be that much more dynamic for my fantasy football playoff run.
— Manny Nelson (@MannyNelson) September 8, 2023
I am a Kupp half full, not a Kupp half empty kind of guy
— Manny Nelson (@MannyNelson) September 8, 2023
Forget the robots, can scientists develop a bionic hamstring for NFL WRs?
We need Cooper Kupp. We don't need this ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/LEoonZcaRK
— Charlie Friar (@CharlieFriar) September 8, 2023
If Cooper Kupp goes on IR and misses only the minimum 4 weeks, the @RamsNFL going 2-2 without him has to be the most optimistic possibility. I think we are probably 1-3, and who knows in a road game in Indianapolis against rookie Anthony Richardson?
0-4 is a real possibility. pic.twitter.com/jxriVfOi5C
— Will McLaren (@ILLWi117) September 8, 2023
Unpopular thought I say the Rams should explore all trade options for Cooper Kupp
— Henry Ramirez (@HRamirezBoxing) September 8, 2023