The Los Angeles Rams have decided not to place receiver Cooper Kupp on injured reserve, hoping he can recover from his ankle injury sooner.
On Wednesday, the Rams put offensive lineman Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson on injured reserve after both got hurt in the team’s big loss to Arizona. However, Kupp was not placed on IR right away.
The Super Bowl 56 MVP injured his ankle in the second quarter against the Cardinals, but he will not need surgery. He is currently in a cast to limit movement, yet there is a chance he could return before the required four-game absence for injured reserve. The Rams also have a bye week during this time.
Putting Kupp on injured reserve is “still a possibility,” said head coach Sean McVay.
“But there’s a chance just based on where our bye is … that he could get back before those four games,” the coach added.
“We don’t necessarily need that (roster) spot, so because of the amount of injuries that we have, if there is a chance … neither (Jackson or Johnson) would have ever been able to be back before that four games.”
The Rams’ injured reserve list is becoming quite full just two games into the season.
Teams can designate eight players to return from IR during the regular season, and the Rams’ list already includes receiver Puka Nacua, cornerback Darious Williams, and offensive linemen Steve Avila and Joe Noteboom, along with Jackson and Johnson.
Kupp is still expected to miss at least their next three games, which will limit the Rams’ offensive options for Matthew Stafford.
