The Los Angeles Rams took a big hit to their offense and will be without wide receiver Cooper Kupp for the rest of the season, starting next week against the Chiefs.
The National Football League has been gearing up for the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams to play each other in Mexico City for quite some time. Unfortunately for fans, players and especially wide receiver Cooper Kupp, the offensive showdown won’t be quite as dynamic as expected with the news that the Rams will be without their playmaker for the rest of the season.
Kupp was injured in the Rams’ game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday when he went down in the fourth quarter while running a route. Ian Rapoport stated on Monday that they fear a torn ACL for Kupp, which will keep him out for the year. Kupp ends the year with 40 catches for 566 receiving yard and 6 touchdowns.
Kupp is a significant cog in the Rams offensive machine, but it’s not as if Sean McVay’s team is without weapons at this point. Let’s not forget that Brandin Cooks is still the downfield threat he’s always been and that Robert Woods has transformed in the Rams’ offense. Todd Gurley is, of course, the centerpiece as the NFL’s best overall running back. McVay’s offense and Jared Goff‘s ability could even make a star out of someone unexpected on the depth chart now that Kupp’s role is available for the taking.
Still, the rest of the offense will be limping a bit after losing Kupp and there’s no way around it. The Chiefs would do the same if they lost Sammy Watkins, for example, and it would take time to learn how to stay as dangerous without every potential outlet. It will be interesting to see how the Rams adjust next Monday.