The Los Angeles Rams are eagerly anticipating the return of their star wide receiver, Cooper Kupp, after a challenging start to their season without him. The Rams, sitting at a disappointing 1-4, are set to face off against the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold a slightly better record at 2-4. Both teams have been grappling with the absence of their key playmakers, Kupp for the Rams and Davante Adams for the Raiders, making their upcoming matchup at SoFi Stadium a crucial moment to turn their seasons around.
Kupp, who sprained his ankle in Week 2, has been sidelined for several weeks, and his absence has been deeply felt by the Rams. Coach Sean McVay, who has enjoyed great success with Kupp on the field, has openly acknowledged how difficult it has been to manage the offense without his top receiver. Rookie sensation Puka Nacua, who had been making waves and setting rookie records, has also been out with a knee injury since Week 1, adding to the Rams’ offensive woes. McVay has struggled to find consistency without Kupp, and the team’s offensive output has faltered in his absence.
Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur emphasized Kupp’s impact, not just in terms of his physical abilities, but also his football intelligence and leadership. LaFleur praised Kupp’s understanding of the game, pointing out how the wide receiver sees and communicates small defensive details that help the coaches make strategic adjustments. His presence is described as calming, both on the field and in the locker room, making him an essential part of the Rams’ efforts to turn things around.
On the other side, the Raiders are also missing their star wideout, Davante Adams, who was recently traded to the New York Jets after being sidelined for three games due to a hamstring injury. Without Adams, the Raiders have struggled to generate significant offense, failing to score more than 20 points in a game during his absence. The team is also undergoing changes at quarterback, with Aidan O’Connell taking over for Gardner Minshew under head coach Antonio Pierce. Pierce hopes O’Connell can bring the same spark that helped the Raiders finish strong last season, earning Pierce the permanent head coach role.
Despite the struggles on both sides, Las Vegas’ new ownership, led by minority owner Tom Brady, and their aspirations to be competitive without Adams will be tested against the Rams, who will likely be bolstered by the potential return of Kupp. For the Raiders, playing against Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford—who is back to full health after dealing with back pain—will be a major challenge. Pierce sees Stafford as a valuable warm-up for their future matchups, particularly with Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes on the horizon.
Both teams are in desperate need of a victory, and the return of Cooper Kupp could make all the difference for the Rams as they face the Raiders on Sunday.
