The Los Angeles Rams are preparing for their Week 1 match-up against the Seattle Seahawks, but questions linger around the availability of star wide receiver Cooper Kupp.
Kupp recently experienced a setback in his recovery from a hamstring issue, putting his playing status into uncertainty. Rams‘ head coach Sean McVay indicated that Kupp’s condition is “day to day”, also being confirmed by Adam Schefter of ESPN.
McVay speaking to media on Thursday said,
He got a little muscle strain so we’re kind of taking it day by day with him…I would probably call it a setback, yeah. I think that’s fair to say.
Kupp had initially stepped away from training sessions earlier in the preseason due to a hamstring problem, but only made his return to practice last week when the Rams had joint practices with the Denver Broncos.
Regarding Kupp’s potential participation in Week 1, McVay was noncommittal. “I think we take it a day at a time right now,” he mentioned. McVay acknowledged the importance of Kupp to the Rams offense;
We’ll see. Want to be able to get him back right. We’re obviously a much better team when he’s available, but in his absence over the last handful of months, he’s been out there leading in the way he can. Hopefully we’ll know when he’s back as soon as possible but do have a lot of confidence in the depth that’s been built in that room.
Last season, Kupp had an impressive but hindered campaign, securing 75 catches, 812 yards, and six touchdowns across nine games before an ankle injury ended his season, leading to an eventual surgery.
The complex nature of hamstring injuries, particularly for receivers, warrants a cautious approach from the Rams. Kupp has a window until next week to make a full return to practice before decisions about his Week 1 availability need to be made.
