Rams’ Cooper Kupp looks to reestablish himself as dominant NFL receiver

Eric Williams

NFC West Writer

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Cooper Kupp feels like himself again, and that could mean trouble for the rest of the NFL.

That last time Kupp was fully healthy, he put together one of the most historic campaigns in league history for a receiver. In 2021, he led the league in catches (145), receiving yards (1,947) and receiving touchdowns (16) on his way to earning NFL Offensive Player of the Year and MVP of the Super Bowl.

Since then, it’s been somewhat of a struggle for the Rams star. In 2022, he missed the final eight games with a nasty high-ankle sprain that required surgery. Last year, Kupp was slowed during training camp with a hamstring injury. He reinjured the hamstring during a joint training camp practice with the Denver Broncos and missed the first four games of the regular season. 

Even when he returned, Kupp did not look like his explosive self until later in the year. Kupp told FOX Sports there were spurts when he felt like his old self, but because of a limited runway to prepare his body for a full NFL season due to the lingering hamstring injury, he was unable to properly prepare himself to sustain an All-Pro level of play.

In all, Kupp missed 13 games over the past two seasons. Last year in 12 games, he finished with 59 receptions for 737 yards and five touchdowns. 

“I don’t know what I could have done differently, aside from sitting out,” Kupp said. “If I didn’t feel like I was an asset out there, then I wouldn’t be out there.” 

Now fully healthy, Kupp said he’s looking forward to reestablishing himself as a dominant receiver in the NFL. He looked like his old self during OTAs, having the ability to do a normal offseason buildup to training camp. 

“Getting healthy during the offseason was a big deal, being able to do all the things I want to do,” Kupp told FOX Sports. “Last season was rehab [from the ankle injury] for all of it until training camp. And so I’ve been able…

Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/rams-cooper-kupp-looks-reestablish-himself-dominant-nfl-receiver

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Publish date : 2024-06-12 17:52:27

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