Cooper Kupp Fantasy Football News | Shark Bites

The Rams are hiring Mike LaFleur as their new OC, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. LaFleur replaces Liam Coen, who left Los Angeles after just 1 season to return to his previous post as Kentucky's OC. LaFleur struggled as Jets OC the past 2 years, with both of those teams finishing bottom 8 in both total yards and points. Like Rams HC Sean McVay, LaFleur comes from the Shanahan coaching tree, so there should be plenty of synergy here. McVay will still be running the show, though, so don't expect a big change to the Rams' play calling.

The Rams are expected to pick up QB Matt Stafford's 2023 option bonus and 2024 salary, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. It'll pay Stafford a combined $62 million in guaranteed money. There had been questions about Stafford's football future after a spinal cord contusion ended his 2022 season. He's avoided surgery, though, and is expected to be ready for the offseason program. With HC Sean McVay also returning for 2023, the Rams offense has bounce-back potential with better health and improvements along the offensive line.

Rams HC Sean McVay admitted Tuesday that he'd be "hard-pressed" to envision WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) playing again this season. There's no reason for the 4-9 Rams to push Kupp back from a significant high-ankle sprain that required surgery. You can cut Kupp from redraft rosters if you've been hanging on.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Rams WR Cooper Kupp is expected to miss 6-8 weeks after surgery for his high-ankle sprain. He adds that the team will need to turn things around to "give Kupp any chance to return this year." At 3-6, the Rams will need to make an extreme rebound to have any shot at the playoffs, and they just lost the only offensive player having a good season. We'd bet that Kupp doesn't play another snap in 2022.

Rams WR Cooper Kupp will undergo ankle surgery on Wednesday, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He’ll be placed on IR and miss at least 4 games, but fantasy owners should plan on a lengthier absence. The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue notes that the tightrope procedure Kupp is undergoing usually knocks players out for 4-8 weeks. Kupp is droppable in shallow leagues if you need the roster spot. The Rams’ schedule ends with the Packers (Week 15), Broncos, Chargers and Seahawks.

Rams WR Cooper Kupp has been diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. A source tells Schefter that it "doesn't sound good." No timetable is given, but high-ankle sprains are generally 4-6 week injuries. So, for now, Kupp owners should brace to be without him until at least Week 15 -- and possibly longer. Kupp leaves behind a massive 30% of Rams targets. Allen Robinson, Van Jefferson, Ben Skowronek and Tyler Higbee should all pick up extra volume, but this Rams passing game could be a disaster with Kupp sidelined.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport hears that Rams WR Cooper Kupp "may miss time" but that his ankle injury is "not catastrophic." Rapoport adds that Kupp is believed to have avoided a fracture but could miss "the next couple of weeks." We should get a more precise diagnosis and timeline after Kupp undergoes additional testing on that ankle on Monday.

The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue hears that Rams WR Cooper Kupp "appears to have avoided a worst-case scenario" with his ankle injury. He's scheduled for additional testing on Monday to get a better look at the damage. Kupp owners should still be preparing for him to miss time, but it at least sounds like he has a chance to play again this season.

Rams WR Cooper Kupp injured his right ankle in the 4th quarter of Sunday's game vs. the Cardinals. He went up to try to snag an overthrown pass and had a defender come down right on the ankle. This is the same ankle that Kupp hurt back in Week 8. We'll update his status when we know more.

Update: Kupp is officially doubtful to return.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport calls Rams QB Matt Stafford (concussion) a "long shot" to play against the Cardinals today. "Not ruled out yet, but not a great chance," Rapoport adds. Our current projections assume that QB John Wolford to be under center for the Rams today.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Rams QB John Wolford is expected to start Sunday's game vs. the Rams, barring a "drastic change." QB Matt Stafford remains in the concussion protocol. We've had Wolford projected to start since Thursday.

Rams WR Cooper Kupp enjoyed a huge game in Sunday's loss to the Buccaneers, despite coming off an ankle sprain late in their Week 8 loss. Kupp racked up 8-127-1 receiving on 9 targets in a game that saw the Rams throw for only 165 yards in all. WRs Allen Robinson and Van Jefferson tied for 2nd with 5 targets apiece. Robinson caught 3 for 24 yards. Jefferson went without a catch. TE Tyler Higbee went catchless on 1 target.

Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) is not listed on the final Week 9 injury report. He went from no practice on Wednesday to a limited workout on Thursday to full participation on Friday. Kupp still carries a bit more risk than usual, but he remains a must-start in season-long lineups vs. the Bucs on Sunday.

Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) returned to a limited practice on Thursday. He's seemingly on track to play vs. the Bucs this weekend, but we'll get another update on his status tomorrow.

Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. HC Sean McVay said earlier this week that he expects Kupp to play vs. the Bucs this weekend, but we'll continue to keep a close eye on his status over the next few days.