Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Cooper Kupp has officially been designated for return from injured reserve and made his return to practice on Wednesday. The team also announced a designation to return for rookie linebacker Ochaun Mathis and will now have 21 days to move both to the active roster.
Kupp had dealt with a hamstring injury early in training camp and then suffered a setback as he tried to ramp things up ahead of the start of the season. This forced the Rams to place him on injured reserve and miss the first four weeks of the season.
Now that he has returned to practice, the question is whether he will be able to suit up for the Rams’ crucial Week 5 meeting with the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Kupp is pushing to be on the field:
WR Cooper Kupp is pushing to play against the Eagles. The Rams of course want to use Kupp on those deep over routes and will test it out to see if he can get close to max speed.
The better news, I'm told the injury was not as serious (in terms of long term) as initially feared.— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 4, 2023
The Rams need to be at their best in order to take down the Eagles and Kupp being on the field would definitely increase their chances, but the staff will not rush things especially with Kupp having already suffered a setback this year.
Kupp established himself as arguably the best receiver in the NFL two years ago and was on his way to another outstanding season last year before going down with a high ankle sprain that required surgery and ended his season. In his absence, the Rams have gotten outstanding production from rookie Puka Nacua as well as third-year man Tutu Atwell, so getting Kupp back would really round out the team’s receiving core.
The rookie Mathis would also be a return at a place of need for the Rams as the pass rusher impressed early on in camp before suffering a knee injury. Only three teams have fewer sacks than the seven the Rams have through four weeks and Mathis will give the Rams some much needed depth along the defensive line.
The team has done well to stay afloat despite these injuries early on and now that they are getting healthy, it could be the kickstart to a positive run for the Rams.
