The Los Angeles Rams announced that they have placed wide receiver Cooper Kupp on the Reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of their Week 17 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
Just because Kupp was placed on the list does not mean he has contracted coronavirus as it is possible that he was deemed a close contact to someone that tested positive. If the latter is the case, then Kupp will have to quarantine for five days and still would be eligible to play on Sunday.
If Kupp tested positive though then he surely would miss the game, which would be a big blow for the Rams, who will already be without some key offensive pieces.
It was later reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network that Kupp did indeed test positive and will be out this Sunday:
#Rams WR Cooper Kupp was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list because of a positive test and he’s out for Sunday, source said. So, no Jared Goff and no Cooper Kupp vs. the #AZCardinals.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 30, 2020
The news is unfortunate considering the game against the Cardinals is essentially a must-win for the Rams to punch their ticket into the postseason. Jared Goff will also not be available after undergoing surgery on a broken thumb this week. The hope is that he would be able to return for the playoffs, but it will be John Wolford making his first career start for L.A. in Week 17.
Additionally, the Rams’ backfield is also hobbled as Darrell Henderson was placed on injured reserve due to a high ankle sprain. Cam Akers is also dealing with an ankle issue although the hope is that he will be able to play this weekend.
With Kupp being unavailable, not only will the Rams be without their quarterback and potentially their top two rushers, but also their top receiver. Kupp has 92 catches for 974 yards and three touchdowns on the year so he will miss out on his second straight 1,000-yard season if he can’t go in Week 17.
The Rams also made a handful of other roster moves, including signing quarterback Blake Bortles, activating offensive tackle Bobby Evans from the reserve list and waiving defensive back Dee Virgin from the practice squad.
