Rams' Cooper Kupp Expected to Return from Ankle Injury vs. Vikings, Sean McVay Says

After missing the last four games due to a sprained ankle, Cooper Kupp is nearing a return to the field.

Per ESPN's Sarah Barshop, the Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver is expected to play on Thursday against the Minnesota Vikings.

Kupp was back on the practice field during the Rams' bye week and worked out before Sunday's game, though Los Angeles ultimately decided to keep him off the field another week.

In Week 1, Kupp had 14 receptions for 110 receiving yards and a touchdown, appearing ready to put together a big year. His hot start quickly came to a halt in Week 2 when he suffered the sprained ankle.

Just four seasons ago, Kupp put together one of the best seasons from a receiver in recent memory. He led the league in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947) and receiving touchdowns (16) before winning Super Bowl MVP after the Rams downed the Cincinnati Bengals.

Since then, he's had three seasons derailed by injury. In 2022, he played just nine games due to a high ankle sprain and played 12 games last year because of another sprained ankle. Another year has led to another ankle injury for Kupp, but he's looking to get back on the field and leave the injury behind him, starting as soon as Thursday.

And the Rams are desperate for Kupp's return after a 2-4 start to the season. Los Angeles picked up a win on Sunday but has struggled early on this year due in large part to a lack of weapons on offense.

Along with Kupp, the Rams have been without star receive Puka Nacua since Week 1 due to a knee injury. It's a good sign that Kupp was able to practice this week and he seems ready to make a Week 8 return, but Nacua still isn't practicing, so Los Angeles could be without him a little longer.