In a thrilling showdown on the gridiron, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua made their grand return from injury to play pivotal roles in leading the Los Angeles Rams to a 30-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings under the bright lights of Thursday Night Football.
Post-game, Rams head coach Sean McVay shed light on the swirling trade rumors surrounding Kupp, confirming that other teams had indeed reached out inquiring about acquiring the services of the All-Pro receiver. Despite the interest from other teams, McVay made it clear that he fully expects Kupp to remain a key part of the Rams roster. “Teams reached out. Some of the things that I’ve seen out there … They’re just not true,” stated McVay. “We’ve addressed that with those individuals. Teams have called about him. And we let him know what the dialogue was there.”
Amidst the speculation and uncertainty, McVay reiterated his support for Kupp while expressing frustration at the lack of accuracy and accountability in the reports circulating about potential trades. “There’s a lot of stuff out there where there’s not a lot of accountability to the reports. And that’s unfortunate,” McVay added.
Kupp, who had been sidelined for five games due to an ankle injury suffered earlier in the season, made a triumphant return to action on Thursday, tallying five receptions for 51 yards and finding the end zone with a touchdown. However, the excitement of Kupp’s comeback was overshadowed by reports, such as the one from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, suggesting that the Rams were seeking a second-round pick in trade discussions involving Kupp.
When pressed about the impact of Kupp’s performance on the field and whether it might influence the Rams’ decision to explore trade options, McVay stood firm in his support of the star wideout. The coach pushed back against the idea of parting ways with Kupp, emphasizing the importance of having him in the team’s lineup moving forward.
As the trade rumors continue to swirl and speculation abounds, one thing remains clear—the Los Angeles Rams are counting on Cooper Kupp to be a key contributor as they navigate the challenges of the NFL season.
