The Los Angeles Rams (1-4) endured a disappointing Week 5, suffering their second consecutive loss and fourth of the season, underscoring their urgent need for reinforcements.
The team has experienced a string of bad luck with injuries, losing several key players, including star wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.
Kupp has not seen action since Week 2 due to an ankle injury sustained against the Arizona Cardinals. Despite the severity of his injury, the Rams opted not to place him on injured reserve, hoping he would return in fewer than four games. Now, with the Rams heading into a bye week in Week 6, head coach Sean McVay is optimistic about Kupp’s potential return for their next game.
“The game against the Raiders in Week 7 has always been seen as an optimistic target based on our discussions from a few weeks back,” McVay stated, as reported by Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic.
If Kupp returns, he would provide a much-needed lift to a Rams offense that is currently averaging only 18.8 points per game, ranking ninth lowest in the league. In the two games he played this season, Kupp recorded 18 catches for 147 yards and a touchdown.
In contrast, Nacua’s timeline for a return remains uncertain. He has been placed on injured reserve after re-aggravating a PCL strain. Reports suggest he may be sidelined until Week 9, depending on the healing progress of his knee.
On Monday, McVay reiterated the uncertainty surrounding Nacua’s situation without specifying a return date. “We have an idea of what specifically was aggravated in his knee, and the typical timeline that usually accompanies that injury. Based on his feedback and rehab, we had a tentative target date set, but we’ll see if we’re on track for that,” McVay explained.
While Nacua’s status remains up in the air, Kupp appears to be on the road to recovery, aiming to return after the bye week for what is shaping up to be a crucial game against the Raiders.
Leave a Reply