Los Angeles Rams wideout Cooper Kupp is a national news story this week. Rumors are running rampant about the wide receiver’s potential future, but the danger for the Rams is now.
If the Rams are able to beat the Minnesota Vikings, turning a two-game winning streak, the team still has a shot to pull off something similar to the 3-6 rally of 2023.
However, to do so, they’ll need to manage Cooper Kupp’s return effectively and that might mean the toughest choice for Sean McVay this season.
Here’s why the Rams should not feature Cooper Kupp against the Vikings.
Preservation Of Cooper Kupp

The ultimate goal in any player’s return to the dangerous world between goalposts is to keep themselves healthy. There is no worse sight in sports than when a team pushes a returning player too hard after a lengthy recovery process and they suffer another injury in their first game back.
Additionally, with the wide receiver rumored to be on the trade block, any injury suffered against the Vikings could tank his value. Even just one shot of the wide receiver grabbing at his leg or his wrist or any other body part could be a disaster.
Predictable Offense
The Minnesota Vikings whole-heartedly expect the Los Angeles Rams to feature Cooper Kupp on most drives. Considering the team’s struggles on offense, it could be remarkably tempting to do this in his return.
However, if the Rams can use other lesser-known players like Jordan Whittington and Tutu Atwell to lead the first half, it might destabilize the Vikings’ defense.
Also Read: Potential Matthew Stafford Trade Rumors
Once this happens, the Rams can return to Cooper Kupp and deliver a second half to remember.
Rust After Injury
After two months away from anything, anyone can get a little bit rusty. Even if it takes only a series for Kupp to knock the rust off, feeding a plethora of targets in the first half to a rusty Cooper Kupp could be the fastest way to three-and-outs and a deficit.
The best move early on would be to use Kupp as a decoy for other receivers. Once the Vikings catch onto this, Matthew Stafford can go for the jugular.
However, if he just assumes that Kupp is back in 2021 form from the first whistle, the offense could be in trouble.