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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
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