One of the most exciting parts of the Los Angeles Rams young season is the return of wide receiver Cooper Kupp after having his 2018 season cut short due to a torn ACL.
Although coming back from an ACL injury is never easy, Kupp made it look easy during the Rams Week 1 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Despite quarterback Jared Goff only having a so-so game, Kupp finished with 46 yards on seven receptions.
Although the Rams and Kupp are likely looking to have a better game in Week 2, Kupp is still excited to be back on the field with the team to help them rack up some victories, via Sam Farmer of the L.A. Times:
“To be around the guys is so much fun,” Kupp said. “To be able to come off the field after a game, and feel good about what you put out there, and to be able to come away with a W… It felt great to be back.”
Before his injury, Kupp was one of the Rams’ most-reliable receivers. In only eight games played a year ago, he totaled six touchdowns, which was tied for the most on the team.
Kupp was limited in his practices throughout the offseason, making the last few weeks his first time to really get into the full swing of things. He did not seem to be slowed down at all by his injury as he was just as important to the offense as he was before, especially on third down.
When asked about his first game back, Kupp stated he was looking forward to a little contact:
“It felt fine,” he said. “First play, [Panthers linebacker] Shaq Thompson gave me a little pop and I popped up, gave him a little dap, and we’re good to go.”
Tight end Tyler Higbee was the only recipient of a touchdown pass in Sunday’s season opener. The Rams looked largely to running backs Malcolm Brown and Todd Gurley to get the offense going.
Robert Woods ended up leading the Rams in receiving yards, putting up 70 on eight catches. Brandin Cooks only caught two passes but notched double-digit yard gains on each throw.
Last season Cooks and Woods both ended up gaining over 1,000 receiving yards. Kupp likely would have crossed that threshold as well if not for his injury. He ended up putting up 566 receiving yards, averaging 14.2 per catch.
