It looked like Cooper Kupp was destined to join Puka Nacua and others on the Los Angeles Rams’ injured reserve list after spraining his ankle in Sunday’s game. However, the Rams have opted not to put him on IR, which would’ve required him to miss at least four games.
Sean McVay spoke with reporters on Wednesday and explained the decision to keep Kupp off IR for now. McVay said Kupp could still go on IR but there’s also “a chance” he could return before having to miss four games – which is a good sign for LA.
For the time being, Kupp will be in a cast for a week and then begin the rehab process. Fortunately, he doesn’t need surgery and it’s not a season-ending injury.
The Rams aren't yet sure whether or not they will place Cooper Kupp on IR, Sean McVay says. There's still some hope that his ankle injury won't keep him out for four games (including the Week 6 bye).
Said Kupp doesn't need surgery; he's in a cast this week, then rehab
— Adam Grosbard (@AdamGrosbard) September 18, 2024
Cooper Kupp still might go on IR, but Sean McVay says “there’s a chance” Kupp could return before the IR window, so the Rams are currently keeping their options open.
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) September 18, 2024
It’s also worth noting that teams are limited to just eight players who can be designated to return from IR each season, or 10 players if the team makes the playoffs. For the Rams, they’re already approaching that limit and it’s only Week 3.
They expect Steve Avila, Jonah Jackson, John Johnson III, Puka Nacua, Joe Noteboom and Darious Williams all to return from IR at some point, along with KT Leveston and Larrell Murchison, who were designated as return candidates before the season began.
That already puts them at the maximum of eight players, so Kupp would make the looming decisions a bit tougher if he’s ever placed on IR.
Ideally, the Rams will make a decision on Kupp before Sunday’s game so that he doesn’t have to miss an extra game if they wait to put him on IR until next week.
