Rams receive what they need for playoff push: a healthy Cooper Kupp

Rams receiver Cooper Kupp says he felt more healthy when running patterns against the Ravens last week. (Nick Wass / Associated Press)

Cooper Kupp liked what he saw.

And for the Rams’ star receiver, that qualified as a rarity this season.

Kupp caught eight passes and scored a touchdown in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday. More importantly to Kupp, as he reviewed video of his performance, he noticed movement and execution closer to his standard.

“Encouraged about that,” Kupp said Thursday.

So are the Rams (6-7), who are in the midst of a playoff push that continues Sunday against the Washington Commanders (4-9) at SoFi Stadium.

A consistent return to form by Kupp, the 2021 NFL offensive player of the year, would be a huge boost for a Rams team that also has remaining games against the New Orleans Saints, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers.

Read more: NFL Week 15 picks: Rams-Commanders, Cowboys-Bills head key matchups in playoff races

Quarterback Matthew Stafford is playing with extreme efficiency, running back Kyren Williams leads an emerging rushing attack, and rookie receiver Puka Nacua already has eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving.

But the Rams probably need a close-to-vintage Kupp, who has played through several injuries, to make a serious late-season run.

“There’s been weeks this year where for health or whatever reason, you know, that I feel like I haven’t been the player that I should be for this team,” Kupp said, “and that’s frustrating. … So I’m excited about being able to move forward here and hopefully be able to keep this thing growing and get back to feeling how I want to.

“It certainly feels like I’m trending in that direction.”

Kupp, 30, suffered a season-ending ankle injury last year that required surgery. He looked strong at the start of training camp, but suffered a hamstring injury that forced the Rams to put him on injured reserve.

Read more: Rams’ confidence keeps improving along with Matthew Stafford’s health

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-receive-playoff-push-healthy-131539993.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2023-12-15 13:15:39

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