Is Cooper Cup playing tonight? Rams WR status explored for TNF vs. 49ers

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp returned to the Los Angeles Rams' lineup in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings after missing four games with an ankle injury suffered in Week 2.

The veteran is expected to be among the players Los Angeles Rams (7-6) will shift to offense when they play on the road against the San Francisco 49ers (6-7) on Thursday night.

Both teams know they can't afford to lose going into the game, because it could mean missing the playoffs.

Explore Cooper Kupp's availability status for Thursday Night Football

Cooper coup He is not dealing with any injury concerns and is expected to start for the Rams on Thursday Night Football at Levi's Stadium.

The eight-season veteran last faced the Niners in 2022, though the Rams have faced San Francisco three more times since then. He was unavailable for the Week 2 game in 2023 because he was dealing with a hamstring injury, then was forced to sit out the Week 18 rematch as the Rams elected to rest their key player. When the two teams faced off earlier this season, Cobb missed the game again with an ankle injury.

Cobb said earlier in the week that he was excited about the prospect of playing against the Niners for the first time in two years.

“You love competing against this team,” Cobb said during a media session on Tuesday. “It always seemed like they were physical games, and that gets you excited when you play those teams. I'm excited to be able to get back out there and be on the field against them.”

While Cobb will suit up tonight, two of his teammates have already been ruled out — Tyler Higbee (knee) and CB Kobe Durant (chest). The Rams have been ruled by wide receiver DeMarcus Robinson (shoulder) and offensive lineman Bo Lemmer (knee) are questionable to play along with four other players.

How has Cooper Kupp fared this season?

Cooper Kupp had a solid game against the Buffalo Bills last week, catching five passes on eight targets for 92 yards and a touchdown. After gaining just 77 receiving yards in his previous two games, against the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints, this Week 14 showing was an important comeback for him.

Kupp has taken a step back in the Rams offense this season, clearly serving as a WR2 running back Puka Nakoa In terms of goals. However, he has caught one or more passes in three of his last four games, demonstrating his continued effectiveness.

Cooper Kupp has caught 63 passes for 657 yards and six touchdowns this season, despite missing four games with an ankle injury.