There have been plenty of key injuries across the NFL this season, especially on Sunday, and the Los Angeles Rams have been one team that has been hit pretty hard by injuries.
As a result, they are now 2-4 and in last place in the NFC West, despite being expected by some to be dark horse contenders when the season started.
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp has been out since suffering an ankle injury in a Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, but he was a full participant in Monday’s practice, per Adam Schefter.
Rams listed WR Cooper Kupp as a full participant in today’s practice ahead of their Thursday night game vs. the Vikings.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 21, 2024
Head coach Sean McVay says the plan is for Kupp to play on Thursday against the Minnesota Vikings, but how much he plays and how much he’s targeted is to be determined, per Sarah Barshop.
Sean McVay said Cooper Kupp’s workload for Thursday is “to be determined.”
“That’ll be something that as we’re putting it together and really diving into it, we’ll have a better feel for, but definitely excited to have him back,” McVay said.
— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) October 21, 2024
Los Angeles has also been without Puka Nacua, last year’s rookie standout, and thus their passing offense has greatly suffered.
But they still managed to defeat the Las Vegas Raiders, 20-15, and if they get not only Kupp but also Nacua, who suffered a knee injury several weeks ago, back, perhaps they could still challenge for a wild card playoff spot.
However, the NFC is deeper right now than many expected, and the emergence of the Vikings, Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made it hard for a banged-up team such as the Rams to make the postseason.
The Rams’ offensive line is also beaten up, and it may be a factor in the poor play of quarterback Matthew Stafford through Week 7.
