As alarm bells ring in the Los Angeles Rams camp, star wide receiver Cooper Kupp faces an uncertain start to the season due to a hamstring injury that has recently worsened. Kupp sought the expertise of a Minnesota-based medical specialist for an evaluation of the injury, initially sustained during early training camp sessions. Despite the concerning development, the team has not yet decided whether Kupp will be benched for the Rams’ Week 1 opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
In a recent statement, Rams’ head coach Sean McVay clarified that Kupp was still in Minneapolis for consultations. According to Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times, McVay noted, “I wouldn’t rule out Kupp for the opener.”
Further expanding on Kupp‘s status, McVay expressed the team’s primary focus as Kupp’s “return to performance,” also reported by Klein. While McVay didn’t offer a definitive timeline, this suggests that Kupp might be sidelined longer than initially expected as he works his way back to full fitness. This lack of clarity has also thrown a curveball for those involved in fantasy football, as Kupp was commonly considered a first-round pick before his injury complications.
The Rams‘ offensive plans are in jeopardy without Kupp, especially given the challenges they’ve faced restructuring their roster due to salary cap limitations in the offseason. Kupp, who was named Super Bowl MVP just two years ago, is a cornerstone for the team’s success. In his absence, the Rams would have to rely on other key players like Van Jefferson and tight end Tyler Higbee to step up as primary pass catchers.
As the Seahawks prepare for their season opener, they remain in limbo regarding whether they’ll have to strategize for Kupp’s involvement. While McVay hasn’t officially ruled out Kupp for the Week 1 game, signs point to it being less likely that he will make an immediate return to the field.
The Los Angeles Rams and their fans are undoubtedly eager for positive news, but as of now, it remains a waiting game to see if their star receiver will be fit for the critical season opener or if they’ll have to navigate the initial games without him.
