Rams coach says WR Cooper Kupp likely won't return in '22

Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who has been sidelined for the last month after undergoing ankle surgery, likely will not return to action this season, according to coach Sean McVay. In speaking to reporters Tuesday ahead of the Rams' road game against the Green Bay Packers next Monday night, McVay virtually ruled Kupp out for the remainder of the season, exactly one month since he last took the field. "You won't see Cooper this year," McVay said. "Aaron (Donald), there's still a possibility, but Cooper, I would be hard-pressed to see any scenario that he would play again this year." McVay said his reasoning was based more on the recovery timetable for Kupp and less about the Rams' 4-9 record heading into a final month that features extremely slim playoff odds for the defending Super Bowl champions. Kupp, 29, was hurt on Nov. 13 in a home loss against the Arizona Cardinals when he landed awkwardly when trying to catch a pass. He was placed on injured reserve two days later, the same day he underwent surgery for a high ankle sprain -- in a procedure known as "tightrope" surgery. The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year has missed the Rams' last four games, meaning he could have been eligible to return against the Packers. But McVay removed almost all hope that Kupp would come back at all this season. Kupp has 75 receptions for 812 yards and six touchdowns in nine games this season. He led the NFL in catches (145), receiving yards (1,947) and TD receptions (16) in 2021, later earning Super Bowl LVI MVP honors in the Rams' win over the Cincinnati Bengals. McVay also updated media members on the status of three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, who has been out for the past two games, also because of a high ankle sprain. The coach left open the possibility of Donald's return before the end of the year. --Field Level Media