There was a chance that Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp would return to action versus the Las Vegas Raiders. That notion was officially ruled out about an hour and a half before the game’s 1:05 scheduled kickoff time.
Cooper Kupp Will Miss Week 7
Head coach Sean McVay has emphasized that Kupp’s return to the field would focus on being fully prepared to perform at a high level, differentiating between that and what he called a ‘return to play.’ The team recognized that the final decision on his availability would come closer to game time.
The 31-year-old pass catcher was listed as questionable for the team’s Week 7 matchup. He has been recovering from an ankle injury sustained in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals.
McVay said that Kupp had a good week and has made good progress, but also acknowledged that returning this week was optimistic. The Rams will practice on a short week as the Minnesota Vikings will travel to LA to take on the Rams.
The Rams offense has struggled with Kupp and wide receiver Puka Nacua injured. Nacua’s timeline still is undefined.
Wide receiver Jordan Whittington is expected to play in the upcoming game despite being limited in practice due to a shoulder injury. Whittington has become Stafford’s favorite target since moving into a starting role in Week 4. However, offensive lineman Joe Noteboom will remain on the injured reserve list and will not be activated.
Cornerback Tre’Davious White will miss his second consecutive game due to injury. Additionally, the team will be inactive without quarterback Stetson Bennett, running back Cody Schrader, defensive ends Jonah Williams and Desjuan Johnson.
For the Raiders, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers is also inactive due to an ankle injury. Other inactive players for the Raiders include running back Dylan Laube, cornerback Sam Webb, linebackers Kana’i Mauga and Tommy Eichenberg, and guard Dylan Parham.