Wide receiver Cooper Kupp returned to the Los Angeles Rams’ lineup in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings after missing four games due to an ankle injury sustained in Week 2.
The veteran wideout is expected to be among the players the Los Angeles Rams (7-6) will turn to on offense when they play on the road against the San Francisco 49ers (6-7) on Thursday night.
Both teams know going into the game that they cannot afford to lose because that could mean missing out on the playoffs.
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Exploring Cooper Kupp’s availability status for Thursday Night Football
Cooper Kupp is not dealing with any injury concerns and is expected to start for the Rams on Thursday Night Football at Levi’s Stadium.
The eight-season veteran last faced the Niners in 2022, even though the Rams have squared off against San Francisco three more times since then. He was unavailable for their Week 2 matchup in 2023 because he was dealing with a hamstring injury, and then he was made to sit out the replay in Week 18 as the Rams chose to rest their key player. When the two sides faced off earlier this season, Kupp missed out once again due to an ankle injury.
Kupp said earlier in the week that he is excited about the possibility of playing against the Niners for the first time in two years.
“You love competing against this team,” Kupp said during a media session on Tuesday. “It seems like it’s always been physical games, and those get you excited when you go against these teams. I’m excited to be able to get back out there and be on the field against them.”
While Kupp will suit up tonight, two of his teammates have already been ruled out— tight end Tyler Higbee (knee) and CB Cobie Durant (chest). The Rams have ruled wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (shoulder) and offensive lineman Beaux Limmer (knee) questionable to play, alongside four other players.
How has Cooper Kupp performed this season?
Cooper Kupp had a strong game against the Buffalo Bills last week, hauling in five passes from eight targets for 92 yards and a touchdown. After only gaining 77 yards in his two previous games, against the Philadelphia Eagles and the New Orleans Saints, that Week 14 showing was a significant comeback for him.
Kupp has taken a step back in the Rams’ offense this season, clearly serving as the WR2 behind Puka Nacua in terms of targets. Still, he has caught one or more touchdown passes in three of his last four outings, demonstrating his continued effectiveness.
Cooper Kupp has caught 63 passes for 657 yards and six touchdowns this season, despite missing four games due to an ankle injury.
Edited by nagpaltusharn25
