Rams coach Sean McVay said wide receiver Cooper Kupp will return to practice next week when his window of activation first opens up.
Los Angeles placed Kupp on injured reserve before the season after the wide receiver injured his hamstring early in training camp. While Kupp tried to get ready for the start of the season, the Rams decided it was better to give the 30-year-old at least the first quarter of the season off.
By starting the year on injured reserve, Kupp is required to miss at least the first four games of the season. By rule, the Rams have a 21-day window to activate Kupp to their active roster that begins next week, and McVay said the team will consult Kupp before deciding when to activate him.
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Since Los Angeles acquired Matthew Stafford in 2021, Kupp has performed like one of the best receivers in the NFL. In 2021, Kupp recorded 145 catches, 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns, all of which led the league, while winning the AP Offensive Player of the Year award and the Super Bowl LVI MVP award.
Last year, however, Kupp played in just nine games as his season ended early due to an ankle injury. Still, Kupp totaled 75 catches, 812 yards and six touchdowns in limited action.
Without Kupp, the Rams are 1–2 and play the Colts in Indianapolis on Sunday. Fifth-round rookie receiver Puka Nacua has filled in admirably for Kupp so far this year, accumulating 30 catches for 338 yards this year.
