When asked if Cooper Kupp would be practicing this week, Sean McVay told reporters that their star receiver is a no-go as he’s recovering from an ankle injury that he suffered in Week 2 against Arizona.
Despite Kupp’s inability to play, he still has a key role on the team as a teacher and mentor to his fellow pass catchers.
It’s been noted that Kupp played a massive role last year in Puka Nacua’s success, teaching him some of the nuances of the game. But according to Sean McVay, that wasn’t a one-off.
“He’s always been that, whether he’s out there [or] whether he isn’t,” McVay said. “He is an extension of the coaching staff. He’s always providing little tidbits of information. I think sometimes that player’s perspective is something that can be so beneficial because those are the guys that know and understand the intricacies of their experiences. I think it resonates with a lot of those guys.”
And the work has paid off with Tutu Atwell, Demarcus Robinson and Jordan Whittington contributing at a higher rate than expected this season, each finding success.
With veteran Robinson’s role seemingly shrinking, we could see more of Whittington, who had a career-high performance against the Bears and has become a bigger piece to this offense.
Maybe it will be Kupp’s teachings that launch a big season from a Day 3 rookie for the second year in a row.
