Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay was quick to rule out star wideout Cooper Kupp for their Week 1 matchup vs. the Seattle Seahawks, but Sunday will reportedly not be the only game he misses. Per ESPN, the Rams are placing Kupp on injured reserve.
McVay told reporters this week that Kupp going on injured reserve was a possibility. He will now miss matchups against the Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, a Super Bowl rematch with the Cincinnati Bengals and a Week 4 date with the Indianapolis Colts.
Kupp recently suffered a setback with his hamstring injury, and was considered day-to-day entering the month of September. It was reported last week that Kupp traveled to "visit a noted body specialist" to "comprehend the root of the issue." NFL Media also reported that the Rams will exercise caution with Kupp.
With Kupp out, it opens the door for Van Jefferson to potentially serve as Matthew Stafford's new No. 1 wideout. He had a career year in 2021, recording 50 receptions for 802 yards and six touchdowns. Tutu Atwell, Ben Skowronek, Puka Nacua and Demarcus Robinson are the other wideouts listed on L.A.'s depth chart.
Kupp missed a total of eight games last season due to a high-ankle sprain that required surgery. Still, he recorded 75 receptions for 812 yards and six touchdowns in nine games played.
In 2021, Kupp became the first player since 2005 to win the NFL's triple crown, leading the league in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns with 145 catches for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was a big reason why the Rams won Super Bowl LVI over the Bengals.
Kupp's record campaign in 2021 led to him landing a lucrative new contract, as he signed a three-year, $80 million extension last summer.
