Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp makes his season debut today against the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles, and a team source shared Saturday night that Kupp is ready to go “full throttle.”
That is a major positive sign for the receiver who has been dealing with a nagging hamstring injury. For weeks, while Kupp was recovering, I was told the team felt like they had two QBs on the practice field, with Matthew Stafford and then Kupp working with rookie standout Puka Nacua and the rest of the Rams’ pass catchers. Kupp played a significant role in explaining and coaching the group through different scenarios.
Here is a brief look at Kupp’s week leading up to today, shared with me from team sources.
Monday: Treatment
Tuesday: Treatment
Wednesday: The Rams had a light walkthrough, and Kupp was back on the field for about half the offensive plays. He caught a few good balls and had a few full-extension grabs.
Thursday: Technically listed as limited, the Rams kept Kupp on a count to be cautious. There has been a little worry around the Rams about practice because that is how Kupp aggravated his hamstring weeks ago. With that in mind, I was told Cooper looked sharp, even snagging a one-handed grab. As for those deep over routes, he was close to max speed and could get enough distance.
Friday: Kupp was moving around the practice field without issues or limitations. I was told he looked very fluid.
This will be the first time Stafford will be throwing to Kupp and Nacua (who leads the NFL in receptions and targets) in the same game, and Stafford is happy to have his ace back. Even without Kupp, the QB has thrown for 1,330 passing yards through four games. Restoring Kupp with Sean McVay’s offensive brilliance, this Rams offense could sparkle.
Cool-headed Colts
Jonathan Taylor is back for the Colts on a new, three-year contract worth $42 million, but do not expect an unleashed running back Sunday. A team source indicated the Colts will be smart with their usage of Taylor, considering he hasn’t played since last season because of his ankle injury. The Colts will have him on a count and ramp up his workload over the next month.
I was told that good communication between the Colts and Taylor’s agent helped get a $14 million-per-year deal done. When I checked the situation over the last few weeks, I always sensed a calm between both sides. In fact, one source texted, “Cooler heads will prevail.” I asked Taylor’s agent, Malki Kawa, how did he get it done? He responded, “Leverage. He’s the best back in the league.”
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A source from the Titans, their AFC South rival and today’s opponent, texted Friday, “I don’t care what’s being said or happening, Jonathan Taylor is not stepping on the field without a new deal.”
Guess he knew something!
The Colts never had any serious trade conversations or even an offer from a team when it was known the running back was available. The Dolphins and Packers did discuss it internally, but nothing came of it. One NFL front office executive who discussed with his own organization the possibility of trading for Taylor told me the trade compensation wasn’t the issue for them; it was the new high-priced deal Taylor was seeking. The executive thought that was the issue for a bunch of teams.
Though he was a presence around the team this summer, today is expected to be the first time Jonathan Taylor (center) is in uniform and active for the team in a year. (Mykal McEldowney / The Indianapolis Star / USA TODAY Sports)
The state of Joe
Joe Burrow is clearly not close to 100 percent healthy because of his ailing right calf. He’s not able to plant and drive. Burrow is still a few weeks away in terms of health, according to a team source, but we may see some glimpses of improvement this afternoon against the Arizona Cardinals. It was a better week for the Bengals, another team source said, and the calf has improved. Burrow had more mobility during practice, and the Bengals are expected to open up the playbook some more today.
But my colleague, former QB Chase Daniel, pointed out that another challenge Burrow faces is the time commitment for treatment on the calf. The caretaking requires time away from film work, practice, even sleep. It all adds up.
I asked one league source, “Can he really run and extend plays like he does outside the pocket?”
They replied: “Not really.”
Despite the improvement, it’s going to be some time before Burrow can truly play like himself.
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Vikings get first look at Mahomes
The Minnesota Vikings have not played the Kansas City Chiefs since the 2019 season, and it was Matt Moore under center for the Chiefs that day, not Patrick Mahomes. So despite Kansas City’s prominence and success during the Mahomes and Andy Reid era, what the Vikings see in person today will be new.
Minnesota safety and team captain Josh Metellus told me over the phone Saturday after practice that the Vikings took a look at the film from last Sunday’s game against the Jets, and it was a good reminder not to get intimidated by the Chiefs’ offensive prowess.
“Defensively, you can get mesmerized on what the players like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce can do along with the different ways Andy Reid likes to call the offense,” Metellus said. “For us, it will be playing fast. It’s all about being fast. Like I said, you can get mesmerized with the stuff that’s going on. You could catch yourself watching instead of playing, and our coaches have been doing a good job, putting us in positions to make us play fast with not too much thinking involved.”
Mahomes and Kelce have combined for 513 receptions, 6,474 yards and 48 touchdowns in 81 regular-season games since 2018 when Mahomes became the starter.
The Ravens have dealt with significant injuries all over the field, but this past week their overall health improved with the return of receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman. Between injuries at the outside linebacker position for the Ravens and the offensive line for the Steelers, it will be a chess match between the two coordinators on passing downs. Look for Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to utilize his pressure package to test Kenny Pickett’s injured knee and attack the Steelers’ leaky offensive line.
Controlling Christian
Christian McCaffrey is averaging 25 touches a game, and the Cowboys defense knows he is a supreme challenge. I was told that in Cowboys defensive meetings this week they focused on tackling, making sure their speed is utilized, and their players are all in position to swarm. As one team source texted, “CMC is going to make people miss, so everybody’s effort and speed will be critical to minimize gains after the catch.”
The defense is also hoping to disrupt Brock Purdy’s rhythm and timing with his pass catchers.
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Trade talk
Three deals went down within a two-day period late this week with Randy Gregory to the 49ers, Chase Claypool to the Dolphins and J.C. Jackson to the Patriots. All were disgruntled players looking for new homes, with minimal compensation needed to acquire them.
With a little more than three weeks left before the league’s Oct. 31 trade deadline, teams that believe they are contenders may want to add talent, and those who are not in contention may want to add draft capital. After discussions with league sources, here’s some early talk:
• The Raiders have been busy making calls around the league looking for a pass rusher since releasing Chandler Jones. They are looking for a player-for-player swap and may not want to give up too much.
• Carolina has been calling around about a wide receiver and other positions. The Panthers hinted to other teams that they are interested in trading away players for draft picks.
• The Texans have received calls from teams looking for a veteran quarterback, but I was told Case Keenum is not available because Houston relies on his experience and veteran leadership in its quarterback room.
• For now, I’m told the Broncos are not looking to move any offensive players. This is despite receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton drawing trade interest in the offseason.
(Top photo of Cooper Kupp:
Tyler Schank / Clarkson Creative / Getty Images)
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2023-10-08 10:59:10
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