The Los Angeles Rams are looking to keep their momentum going when they take on the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football.
After beating the Washington Commanders in Week 15, the Rams moved into the final Wild Card spot though the Saints remain in the hunt as well. The NFC South is still up for grabs, and New Orleans should be plenty motivated to win on the road.
Cooper Kupp has looked better in recent weeks despite suffering an ankle sprain, though his health has become a concern for Los Angeles. Foot and ankle issues have been a common injury for players this season and some of that can be attributed to artificial turf.
Unfortunately for Kupp, SoFi Stadium has turf and he admitted he dislikes it. “As you know, I hate it,” Kupp said. “I’m not a fan of turf in general and it’s obviously tough going back-to-back on a short week.
“But it is what it is. I know people are certainly aware of it. If there’s going to be change that’s going to come, it’s not because people don’t know, you know? So it is what it’s. Like I said, it’s the same thing about playing Thursday night. Everyone’s got to do it. Everyone’s got to get it done on turf and just part of this game and you got to deal with it.”
Aside from playing on turf, Kupp also explained how difficult it is to play on Thursday night because of the short turnaround from Sunday.
“It’s tough,” Kupp said. “You’re trying to get your body turned over. Today was basically two day’s worth of plays going in, installs wise. And so it’s like you’ve got a lot of stuff coming at you and you’re at the same time trying to get your body turned over to get ready to go for a Thursday game. So it is a lot but everyone’s got to do it.”
No one is going to feel bad for the Rams when it comes to their field or lack of rest given that most teams are still jockeying for playoff positioning. Los Angeles and New Orleans have had several battles in the past, and Thursday Night Football should be a competitive game between two postseason hopefuls.
Demarcus Robinson enjoying contributing for Rams
With Kupp not 100 percent and Tutu Atwell dealing with a concussion, Demarcus Robinson has stepped up recently for the offense. The veteran wideout has been a huge boost and he acknowledged how much he’s enjoying contributing to winning.