The Los Angeles Rams have officially placed star wide receiver Cooper Kupp on injured reserve due to an ongoing hamstring issue, as reported on Saturday. This means that Kupp will be sidelined for the initial four weeks of the 2023 season, including the Rams’ season opener against the Seattle Seahawks scheduled for Sunday.
Head coach Sean McVay had hinted at the possibility of this move earlier in the week when he revealed that Kupp would not be available for the upcoming game on Sunday.
“(Kupp) is eager to be on the field with his teammates, and he invests so much in his game,” expressed McVay. “This situation is truly unfortunate and has been quite frustrating for all of us.”
Over the weekend, Kupp traveled to Minnesota to consult with a specialist regarding his hamstring injury, which has been resistant to conventional treatment methods. After a meeting with Kupp on Wednesday morning, McVay made the decision to rule out his star receiver for the Week 1 matchup in Seattle. It’s worth noting that Kupp initially sustained this injury on August 1st during the first week of Rams’ training camp.
McVay clarified, “We don’t possess many extra details on this. “He’s dealing with some soft-tissue issues, and our primary focus is on helping him return to his normal state of health. Once that happens, he’ll be back in action. However, for the time being, he won’t be able to participate in our games.
Kupp’s absence during the latter part of the previous season was due to an ankle injury, causing him to miss the final eight games. This setback came after a remarkable beginning to the season, during which he recorded 75 receptions for 812 yards in the first nine games. In 2021, he had an extraordinary offensive season, achieving the rare feat of winning the receiving triple crown before leading the Rams to victory in the Super Bowl against Cincinnati, earning him the Super Bowl MVP title. He was also honored as the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
With Kupp’s injury, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford loses his main playmaker in an offense that struggled significantly last season due to injuries impacting many of its key players, including both Stafford and Kupp.
“I have full confidence that he’ll do everything possible to return to his best form as quickly as he can,” Stafford stated. “When it comes to taking care of his body and working towards recovery, he’s one of the most dedicated professionals I’ve ever been around. I know it’s tough for him not to be on the field.”
Last year, Stafford battled injuries and had limited participation in training camp before being sidelined around the middle of the season. However, this season, the veteran quarterback has been in good health and has been practicing with the other wide receivers in Los Angeles. In Kupp’s absence, Stafford’s primary targets are likely to include Van Jefferson, new addition Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell, and rookie Puka Nacua.
Additionally, Stafford’s backup, rookie QB and former Georgia standout Stetson Bennett, will also be unavailable for Sunday’s game in Seattle due to a shoulder injury.
What happened?
Cooper Kupp sustained a hamstring injury during the Rams’ last preseason match against the Las Vegas Raiders on August 27. Initially, he was considered day-to-day, but after missing practice for the entire following week, he was officially declared unavailable for the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
- Injury Date: August 27, 2023
- Game: Rams vs. Raiders (Final Preseason Game)
- Injury Type: Hamstring Strain
- Severity: Grade 2
- Anticipated Recovery Time: 3 to 6 weeks
During the second quarter of the game, Cooper Kupp sustained a hamstring injury while engaged in a running play. He immediately experienced discomfort in his hamstring and had to leave the game. Subsequent medical evaluation revealed a Grade 2 hamstring strain, indicating a moderate tear of the muscle.
Initially, Kupp’s status was labeled as day-to-day. However, he was unable to participate in practice during the ensuing week, leading to his exclusion from the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. Furthermore, he is expected to be sidelined for the Rams’ following three matches against the Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The typical recovery window for a Grade 2 hamstring strain spans from 3 to 6 weeks. It is worth noting that some athletes may recover as early as within 2 weeks, while others might require up to 8 weeks. The precise duration hinges on factors such as the injury’s severity, the individual’s natural healing rate, and the specifics of their rehabilitation program.
Kupp is slated to undergo surgery to repair his hamstring. After the surgical procedure, he will embark on a carefully structured rehabilitation regimen designed to progressively restore his hamstring’s strength and range of motion.
Kupp is widely recognized for his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication as an athlete. It is expected that he will make a complete recovery from his hamstring injury. Nonetheless, it is imperative to exercise patience and allow him the necessary time to recuperate fully before making his return to the field,