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Paolo Uggetti, ESPN
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Rams huge receiver Cooper Kupp stated Tuesday he’s “feeling actually good” as he returned to a full crew apply for the primary time this offseason and continues to rehab his ankle.
“I used to be actually hoping to problem to come back again and be part of final 12 months nonetheless,” Kupp stated. “Sadly, issues cannot work out that method.”
Kupp suffered a excessive ankle sprain through the Rams’ Week 10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals final season and wanted to endure surgical procedure, which required him to overlook the rest of the 12 months. He completed the 2022 season with 75 receptions for 812 yards and 6 touchdowns in 9 video games. Kupp, nonetheless, stated the rationale for getting the surgical procedure was with the intention to return to play. The Rams completed final season with a 5-12 report.
“It does really feel prefer it while you get damage, that season type of drags on eternally,” Kupp stated. “There’s by no means actually a stopping level … [I’m] nonetheless rehabbing, nonetheless doing all that stuff so it will get lengthy.”
On Tuesday, Kupp, who reiterated that the rehab continues to be ongoing, spent his time at apply away from crew runs and place drills, as an alternative working with a coach on working routes, sprinting round cones and pushing a wheeled sled round. Although he has labored out on the crew facility, Kupp had not beforehand attended OTAs and been round for a full crew apply till Tuesday, partly, as a result of beginning of his third baby together with his spouse, Anna.
“I really like these guys right here, however I needed to be with my household,” Kupp stated. “I am very glad to be again, however I’ve no regrets about that.”
When requested if he is cleared to take part in full velocity drills and play, Kupp stated he wasn’t certain and left the choice as much as the Rams’ medical crew.
“Taking part in soccer, you’ll be able to’t simulate these things. So I do not know if we’ll actually know,” Kupp stated. “I really feel proper now we have been pushing it fairly onerous. I really feel like I am asking for extra, desirous to do extra and feeling such as you’re getting held again versus feeling like they’re pushing you to do extra. We’re in place now the place I really feel like I wish to get on the market and play.”
For now, Kupp will bide his time and proceed to ramp his physique again as much as sport velocity. Rams head coach Sean McVay is not too upset about that, both. Wth the quantity of roster turnover and inflow of younger gamers – and huge receivers – the Rams have had, Kupp’s absence has served as a possibility for these wideouts.
“It is allowed guys like Tutu Atwell to actually shine brilliant,” McVay stated. “You are getting reps for guys like [rookie] Puka Nacua, Van Jefferson, Austin Trammell … you are getting an opportunity to judge some guys in spots that possibly they would not get reps or alternatives at in any other case.”
Do not get McVay improper, although. Having Kupp again on the sector, he stated, is like having an extension of the teaching workers and bodes effectively for the growing youth motion the Rams are having to adapt to as they put together for the upcoming season.