Rams WR Kupp Could Go On IR with Ankle Sprain

This is a far cry from the Super Bowl team in 2021. Los Angeles Rams receiver and quarterback Matthew Stafford’s favorite target, Cooper Kupp, is expected be sidelined for “an extended period of time” with an ankle injury and could be headed to injured reserve, according to head coach Sean McVay.

Kupp suffered the injury during Week 2’s 41–10 blowout loss to Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals. During the opening quarter, his left ankle was rolled up on while being tackled. He was aided by the medical team off the field, but walked to the locker room under his own power, but exhibited a noticeable limp.

After the game, Kupp was seen donning a walking boot on his left leg as he exited the locker room.

Before his early departure, Kupp snagged four balls for 37 yards. In Week 1’s nail-biting overtime loss to the Detroit Lions, he had himself a night in prime time, catching 14 passes for 110 yards and one score.

McVay said guard Jonah Jackson (shoulder) and safety John Johnson III (shoulder) are also candidates for injured reserve. On Sunday, Jackson re-aggravated the shoulder injury that caused him to miss time and valuable reps during training camp.

“We’re kind of running out of those [injured reserve] spots and we’re only into Week 3 in terms of the return to play, but that is a possibility for all of those guys,” McVay said.

Kupp’s injury leaves the Rams shorthanded and behind the eight ball without their top two receivers. Puka Nacua is expected to be out for 5-7 weeks after sustaining a sprained PCL in his right knee against Detroit last Sunday and being placed on injured reserve.

The Rams already are dealing with a patchwork offensive line, have two players on injured reserve: left guard Steve Avila, who sprained his MCL in Week 1, and tackle Joe Noteboom, who left the Rams’ season opener with a high ankle sprain. Tackle Alaric Jackson will return from suspension this week. He was suspended the first two games of the season for a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

“The amount of moving parts that we’ve had offensive line-wise has been wild,” McVay said. “And that’s such an important spot to be able to get a rapport with the guy that you’re playing next to.”

With Kupp and Nacua out, Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson will be forced into more prominent roles and take over as the Rams’ top receivers. Robinson has six catches for 11 yards this season, while Johnson has seven receptions for 99 yards.

This is turning into a pattern. It will be the third consecutive season during which Kupp has missed time due to injury. Last year, he missed the first four games of the season because of a strained hamstring. In 2022, Kupp suffered a sprained ankle that limited him to nine games.

When he was 100 percent and able to play all 17 games in 2021, Kupp put together a monster campaign in which he accumulated the triple crown of the NFL with 145 receptions, 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Last, but not least, McVay said place-kicker Joshua Karty is fighting through a groin injury, but is expected to play on Sunday.

The Rams (0–2) host their division foes, the San Francisco 49ers (1–1) in Week 3 on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.