Is Cooper Kupp playing tonight vs. the Packers? Injury update and fantasy outlook for the Rams WR

Before his setback in Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals, Cooper Kupp was having a good season. After undergoing surgery for the high ankle injury he sustained in the defeat, the Los Angeles Rams receiver has been making a full recovery.

His type of operation typically requires four to six weeks to recover from. It was anticipated that Kupp would make a comeback sometime between Weeks 15 and 17, but it appears that Week 15 has arrived too soon for Kupp.

Just ahead of Week 11, Cooper Kupp was placed on injured reserve. Kupp would plausibly have been able to play tonight against the Green Bay Packers, as an IR stay necessitates a mandatory four-game absence. Alas, Cooper Kupp is not ready to play and is unlikely to play again this season.

Head coach Sean McVay responded negatively when asked if Kupp might return at some point this year. McVay said he could picture a circumstance like that, but he was hard-pressed to see it. During a Tuesday video chat with the media, McVay cautioned:

"I've got to be careful speaking in absolutes. If he could play again, I think it would be unexpected. However, I won't declare that there is no probability of that happening."

Cooper Kupp's 2022 NFL Season

Last season, Kupp acheved the triple crown after topping the NFL in catches, receiving TDs, and receiving yards. In the Rams' championship triumph, he was also named the Super Bowl MVP. Despite appearing in only ten games this season, Kupp has recorded a team-best 75 receptions for 812 yards and six TDs. Additionally, he has rushed on nine occasions for 52 yards and a score.

Given Kupp's significance to the Los Angeles Rams franchise, it's possible that the wide receiver won't play again this year. It's not worth risking his future if the Rams are eliminated from playoff contention. Though elimination isn't guaranteed, it seems likely to happen sooner rather than later.

Los Angeles are currently 4-9 and are mostly playing for pride. Green Bay are also struggling and sit at 5-8. While neither team has been taken out of the running for the playoffs, both are treading upon very thin ice.