The Los Angeles Rams have been without star wide receiver Cooper Kupp for a majority of training camp as he deals with a hamstring injury. As the team enters its second week of preseason play, they’ll be practicing alongside their opponent, the Las Vegas Raiders.
With only a couple weeks remaining before the start of the 2023 season, the Rams are hopeful to get Kupp back on the field as soon as possible. There was a possibility that, based on his original timetable, he may be able to return for this week’s practices against the Raiders.
Rams head coach Sean McVay spoke about Kupp’s status for the week and whether or not he sees the star receiver being able to join for practices or play in Saturday’s game.
“I would say it’s more likely that he will not, but I don’t have any clarity on that,” McVay said. “Once I talk to Reggie (Scott), I’ll have a better idea, but I would think Denver’s probably a more realistic goal but there is a chance. He’s feeling good and making good progress, but I don’t know if we’ll have him go this week.”
The Rams have one final preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 26 against the Denver Broncos. After that, their next game action will be Week 1’s meeting with the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Sept. 10. So if they want to get Kupp some on-field work prior to the season starting, they have 10 days to get him involved.
But this is Kupp, one of the best receivers in all of football. Even if he can’t get into the lineup for the Raiders or Broncos matchups, there is no denying he’ll make an immediate impact when he eventually returns.
Kupp continuing to build chemistry with Matthew Stafford
One reason for a lack of concern regarding Kupp’s return to the lineup is his natural chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford. The two clicked instantly when they were first paired together two seasons ago, and have continued to build on their relationship as the backbone of the Rams offense.
Even this offseason, with both players coming off major injuries, they have found a way to keep growing their chemistry and have not gotten complacent with their work.
“So for us it’s like, hey, we know that we’ve got this natural chemistry about how we do things,” Kupp said. “But man, how much better can we be if we really are honing this thing in, if we’re seeing the field the same way?”
