Cooper Kupp ankle injury update: How long will the Rams’ WR be out?

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who has been no stranger to injuries throughout his career, may be facing another setback after suffering an ankle injury in Week 2.

Kupp had been a standout in the Rams’ first game loss against the Lions, partly thanks to the absence of fellow receiver Puka Nacua, who was sidelined with a knee sprain. Kupp took full advantage of his increased role, recording an impressive 21 targets and delivering a solid performance.

What happened to Kupp’s ankle?

In Week 2, Kupp’s luck took a turn for the worse. He sustained a suspected high ankle sprain when his left foot got caught under a defender during a play. These injuries are challenging for athletes to recover from because they involve the syndesmosis ligament. This ligament connects the tibia and fibula just below the knee and extends down to the ankle joint.

Kupp has a history of this type of injury, requiring surgery on his right ankle two years ago after a similar sprain. The Rams’ medical staff quickly pulled him from the game, particularly with the team already facing a important deficit. After the game, Kupp left the stadium wearing a walking boot, a precautionary measure often used to protect the ankle from further stress.

High ankle sprains are quite different from the more common lateral sprains. They affect an athlete’s ability to rotate and cut, which is crucial for wide receivers. Kupp could be facing a long recovery time, depending on the severity of the sprain. Even mild high ankle sprains (Grade 1) often keep players out of action for several weeks. More severe sprains may necessitate surgery or even jeopardize the rest of Kupp’s season.

How long will Cooper Kupp be out?

The Rams will have a better idea of the severity of the injury after Kupp undergoes further imaging. With a bye scheduled in Week 6, the Rams may hope to have him back by Week 4 or 5. However, rushing back from a high ankle sprain often leads to further complications, especially for wide receivers who rely on cutting and agility in their routes.

While Kupp’s absence is looming, the Rams’ receiving corps, including Demarcus Robinson and a struggling Kyren Williams, will need to step up. Puka Nacua’s status also remains uncertain, further complicating the team’s offense.

In the best-case scenario, Kupp may miss just one week. However, depending on how the injury progresses, he could be sidelined for a month or even longer. More information should be available in the coming days. Currently, it seems likely that the Rams will have to proceed without their star receiver for at least Week 3.