As the NFL’s Nov. 5 trade deadline rapidly approaches, one name has unexpectedly found its way into the rumor mill: Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Cooper Kupp. The reigning Super Bowl MVP, who has been sidelined with an ankle sprain since Week 2, addressed the swirling speculation about his future during a press conference on Tuesday.
“I’m aware of it, but at the end of the day, I mean, I’m going to be where my feet are,” Kupp told reporters. “That’s all I know. I have a job to do here. And I take a lot of pride in giving everything I can for the guys in this building and being able to step on the field knowing that I prepared the best that I can.”
Kupp’s Commitment to the Rams
Despite the trade rumors, the 29-year-old wideout emphasized his commitment to the Rams organization, with whom he has spent his entire seven-and-a-half-year career. “For seven and a half years I’ve been an LA Ram and I’ve taken that approach every single day,” Kupp affirmed. “And whatever happens outside of that, I’ve got to control what I can control. And right now that means being the best LA Ram that I can be.”
“I don’t like coming off the field. I would love to be able to play as much as I possibly could, and that’s going to be my mindset.”
– Cooper Kupp on his eagerness to return to action
Expected Return from Injury
Kupp, who has not played since spraining his ankle in a Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, is expected to make his highly anticipated return on Thursday night against the Minnesota Vikings. Prior to his injury, the prolific receiver had recorded 18 catches for 147 yards and a touchdown in just two games.
Though he was not placed on injured reserve, Kupp revealed that he had prepared as if he were going to play in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders, only to be informed that he would be inactive for the game. “There’s always a belief, always a belief that there’s going to be a chance,” Kupp said of his mindset leading up to the decision.
Uncertainty Surrounding Workload
As he prepares for his comeback, Kupp acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his workload against the Vikings. “I don’t like coming off the field,” he admitted. “I would love to be able to play as much as I possibly could, and that’s going to be my mindset.”
However, the ultimate decision will rest with the Rams’ coaching staff and training personnel. “We’ve got some guys that have played some really good football the last couple of weeks too, and figuring out what the best grouping is, what the best group of guys, how you want to get those guys on, off the field, whatever it takes to get the LA Rams a ‘W’ is ultimately what we want to do,” Kupp conceded.
Confidence in Returning to Form
Despite the lingering questions about his role and the trade rumors swirling around him, Kupp expressed confidence in his ability to perform at a high level upon his return. Having missed four games last season due to a hamstring injury, the All-Pro receiver believes that a full offseason of preparation has set him up for success.
“Being able to have a full offseason this year and being able to build that up and put the work in to set yourself up to go do something this year, I feel real confident about being able to come back now knowing that I have that base and be able to play really good football.”
– Cooper Kupp on his confidence in returning to form
As the trade deadline draws near and the Rams look to turn their season around, all eyes will be on Cooper Kupp’s highly anticipated return. Whether he remains in Los Angeles or finds himself at the center of a blockbuster deal, one thing is certain: the elite wideout’s impact on the field is undeniable, and his commitment to excellence remains unwavering.
