Rams Rumors: Cooper Kupp 'On an Absolute Mission;' Was 'Deeply Affected' by Injuries

Cooper Kupp could be primed for a big season.

The Los Angeles Rams is reportedly "all the way back" from a series of injuries suffered in the past two seasons that cost him a total of 13 games, including a hamstring issue last year, and has been Matthew Stafford's primary target in recent practices, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

"He's on an absolute mission," a source close to Kupp told Fowler. "He was deeply affected about not being out there for parts of last year."

Kupp certainly believes he can return to elite status.

"I don't know if I would be still playing if I didn't think that that was still who I was," he told ESPN's Sarah Barshop in May. "That is who I believe myself to be. ... I am counting on myself to get there for my teammates, they're counting on me to be there on Sundays. And I believe that the work that I do, the things that how I prepare, all that stuff's going to be there to be the productive player that I know that I am. And I look forward to being able to get out there this year and play some good football."

The 31-year-old had one of the truly legendary receiver seasons in 2021, leading the NFL in catches (145), receiving yards (1,947) and receiving touchdowns (16). Last season's injury struggles gave rookie Puka Nacua room to shine, however, and he responded by posting 105 receptions for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns, along with a Pro Bowl bid.

Now, the Rams potentially have one of the NFL's best one-two punches at wideout, assuming Kupp can stay healthy.

"Last year really bothered Cooper," Rams general manager Les Snead told reporters at March's league meetings. "That's just who he is. And he didn't enjoy life last year. Probably almost to a fault. There's only one detriment. He may overtrain trying to get back, but he's definitely working hard. And I would bet on Cooper getting back and being healthy."

It appears the Rams will be getting a focus and motivated Kupp this season. That's bad news for the rest of the NFL.