Rams expect WR Cooper Kupp to return vs. Vikings
INGLEWOOD – Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp gave it a go on the SoFi Stadium turf before Sunday’s 20-15 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He ran a few sprints, then ran some routes with quarterback Stetson Bennett IV throwing him the ball.
But ultimately, Kupp was left inactive for the fourth straight game since he sprained his ankle. But, following the win, head coach Sean McVay said the standout receiver is expected to play Thursday against the Minnesota Vikings.
Kupp practiced for the first time this week since suffering the injury in Week 2. He was a partial participant for all three days, running routes during individual drills and doing part of the team work. He was designated as questionable for the game, but ultimately the Rams opted to hold him back with the team playing two games in five days this week.
“He was close,” McVay said. “But ultimately, you guys heard me talk about it throughout the course of the week, it was about return to performance, not necessarily return to play. Hopefully Thursday will represent that for us.”
Through the six quarters he played before suffering the ankle sprain, Kupp made 18 catches for 147 yards and a touchdown. The Rams’ offense has struggled to move the ball and close out drives in his absence. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has thrown two touchdowns to three interceptions in the last four weeks, including one pick against the Raiders Sunday while completing 14 of 23 passes for 154 yards.
“I’m excited for him,” Stafford said. “He loves football, he’s missing being out there. So I’m excited for him, excited for our offense, our team. He’s a great player and those guys are tough to come by so when you can get them back, it’s always a great thing. I think it’s great for that room, too, just having his presence around. Guys love being around him and working with him.”
Briefly
The Rams made a change at left guard, starting undrafted free agent Justin Dedich over Logan Bruss. It was the first career start for Dedich, a former USC standout.
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