Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay seems optimistic about star wide receiver Cooper Kupp’s injury status.
McVay said Kupp would participate in individual drills during Wednesday’s practice and hinted he could suit up in Sunday’s home matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders (2-4). Kupp hasn’t played since suffering an ankle injury in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals (2-4).
“There’s a possibility he plays, but we’ll see how it goes,” McVay said of Kupp, via ESPN’s Sarah Barshop. “He’s trending in the right direction, but we’ll see exactly what that means as the week progresses.”
Barshop added that McVay said if Kupp practices Thursday and Friday, that could be a good sign.
Kupp’s potential return could be coming at the right time for the injury-riddled Rams.
Along with Kupp, star second-year wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) and right tackle Joe Noteboom (ankle) have been sidelined this season. The Rams opened Noteboom’s 21-day practice window Wednesday, but Nacua is still on injured reserve.
The injuries have foiled McVay’s play-calling ability, contributing to the team’s 1-4 start. L.A. ranks 24th in the NFL in points scored (18.8) and 16th in yards (324 YPG).
Rams starting quarterback Matthew Stafford’s numbers have also dipped. Through his first five starts, he has the same number of passing touchdowns and interceptions (three) and has posted a below-average 86.3 passer rating.
Kupp could provide the boost the Rams clearly need. In his first two games this season, the former first-team All-Pro recorded 18 receptions for 147 yards and one TD catch.
L.A.’s early postseason odds are slim. ESPN’s Football Power Index gives it a 13.1 percent chance to make the playoffs, the worst in the NFC West.
The Rams have dug themselves out of early holes in recent years. Last season, they started 3-6 but won seven of their last eight games and made the playoffs.
L.A. needs Kupp to stay healthy when he returns to go on another improbable run.
