Rams WR Cooper Kupp Returns to Field After Injury: ‘It Felt Good’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp missed the first four games of the NFL season due to a hamstring strain but returned to the field on Sunday.
Kupp had a total of 118 receiving yards and caught eight passes during his first game of the season.
“By halftime, Kupp had six receptions for 95 yards, highlighted by a 39-yard catch that helped set up Stafford’s 22-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Puka Nacua that gave the Rams a 14-10 lead with 32 seconds left until halftime,” The Rams reported.
In a postgame interview, Kupp said, “It was good. I mean, I think there’s some stuff, just processing, seeing the field, seeing what defenses are doing, and then just being able to react to it, there’s a few things that I’m sure I’m going to be looking at tomorrow and just feel like, ‘Man, this should’ve happened a little bit faster.’”
“But it did feel good to be out there playing football again,” he expressed.
Matthew Stafford, the Rams’ quarterback, enjoyed having Kupp back on the field.
“It was great,” he said. “I thought he played really well. Proud of him. Happy for him that he’s out there, because I know that’s what he loves to do, is be out there playing and competing.”
“Love having him back out on the field,” Stafford added. “I think everybody did.”
Head coach Sean McVay said of Kupp’s performance, “I thought he did a nice job. I thought he made some critical plays, especially on that first drive where Matthew did an excellent job of being able to get him involved, makes his impact.”
With Kupp rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua on the field together, the Rams expect much production from the duo.
“Rookie Puka Nacua has been Los Angeles’ breakout receiver early on this season and he finished with seven catches on 11 targets for 71 yards with a touchdown. If Week 5 was any indication, Kupp and Nacua should fit nicely together as targets for Stafford moving forward,” NBC Sports wrote.
Movieguide® recently reported on Kupp’s injury status:
Head coach Sean McVay told Ram Digest that he’s hopeful Kupp will be back soon…
While the wide receiver can’t play, he’s still an invaluable member of the team off-field.
“He’s Coach Kupp right now,” McVay added. “I think one of the coolest things that he’s doing is he’s finding ways to make [a] tremendous impact on this team even though he is not able to be out on the field. Cooper is a special person and he’s a special player.”
“As special of a player as he is, he’s even more [of a] special person. I think what was the most powerful thing is that those guys…wanted his feedback because of the way that he’s able to lead, and the information that he’s able to give them that could be digestible and then applicable.”