The Los Angeles Rams have been dealing with the absence of their top wide receivers, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, for the past three games. Nacua remains on injured reserve due to a knee injury sustained in Week 1, while Kupp has been sidelined since Week 2 after suffering an ankle injury. However, there’s a possibility that Kupp might return for the Rams’ Week 7 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Kupp has been listed as questionable for the matchup, following limited practices on both Wednesday and Thursday. Head coach Sean McVay has expressed optimism, stating that Kupp is “trending in the right direction” for a potential return.
LA Rams Roster Moves:
• Signed Practice Squad Veteran OL Geron Christian
• Signed to Active Roster WR Xavier Smith
• Returned to Practice OL Joe Noteboom pic.twitter.com/MqcrLCIQnE— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) October 16, 2024
Despite the encouraging signs, the Rams could take a more cautious approach with the 31-year-old wide receiver, especially with a short turnaround for their Week 8 Thursday Night Football game. Given the importance of Kupp to the team’s offense, the Rams might decide to ensure he is fully healthy before risking a premature return.
In response to the uncertainty surrounding Kupp’s status, the Rams have made a notable move by elevating wide receiver Xavier Smith from the practice squad to the active roster. Smith has been brought up in each of the last three games, all of which Kupp missed, and while his contributions as a receiver have been limited—he has only two catches for six yards—his value has been evident on special teams. Smith’s biggest impact came in Week 3 when he returned a punt for 38 yards, setting up a key scoring opportunity in the Rams’ win over the San Francisco 49ers.
With the Rams scheduled to face the Raiders at 4:05 p.m. EST on Sunday, the team will be hoping for positive news regarding Kupp, but they have already taken steps to reinforce their wide receiver unit in the meantime.
