Two weeks ago, the Rams were hoping to have star receiver Cooper Kupp back by this weekend. Unfortunately, after a week of limited participation in practice, Kupp was held out once again today. According to ESPN’s Sarah Barshop, though, head coach Sean McVay expects Kupp back in time for this Thursday’s matchup against the Vikings. 
Kupp, 31, sustained an ankle injury during the second quarter of the Rams’ loss to the Cardinals in Week 2, and he has been sidelined ever since. He was initially mentioned as an injured reserve candidate, but subsequent reports indicated that he would avoid IR. The decision to keep Kupp on the active roster naturally led to optimism that he would be back on the field sooner rather than later. That optimism grew when it became clear that he would not require surgery on the affected ankle.
After his dominant 2021 season, in which he led the league in receptions (145), yards (1,947), and receiving touchdowns (16) and took home Super Bowl MVP honors, Kupp landed a three-year, $80MM extension. Unfortunately, a high ankle sprain cut the ensuing 2022 campaign short, and he opened the 2023 season on IR with a hamstring ailment.
He started off the 2024 season hot, racking up 18 catches for 147 yards and a TD in less than six quarters of play. When healthy, he and Puka Nacua represent one of the best WR tandems in the game, and there is some hope that Nacua will also be able to suit up soon, as he is now eligible to be activated off of injured reserve. The healthy and productive return of the Kupp-Nacua duo will go a long way in determining whether the Rams can reverse their fortunes and make another postseason run.
While Nacua may still need some time to recover and practice, it appears that Kupp is on the cusp of a return. Kupp’s return to the field will be well-received by an offense that has depended on Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington, and Tyler Johnson in recent weeks.