Los Angeles Rams should consider using Cooper Kupp more with Pharoh Cooper out

With Pharoh Cooper expected to miss at least a couple of weeks, the Los Angeles Rams should consider using Cooper Kupp more on special teams.

Sean McVay made the tough decision in the preseason to rest most of the starters for the Los Angeles Rams so he wouldn’t have to worry about key players getting hurt.

While that approach certainly worked well for the most part since the Rams were able to stay healthy, and end up winning their first game of the new season against the Oakland Raiders, it looks like the game resulted in losing one of their key players in Pharoh Cooper.

On Tuesday, McVay announced that the Pro Bowler suffered a serious ankle injury during Monday’s 33-13 win over Oakland. And even though Cooper is expected to receive a second opinion on the injury, it still isn’t looking good for the Rams top return man on special teams.

At the minimum, Cooper is expected to miss at least a coupe of weeks, which is devastating news for Los Angeles when seeing how valuable the former South Carolina star has been as a returner.

However, there’s a popular saying about when one door closes, another one opens, and if the Rams were smart, they would consider giving Cooper Kupp an opportunity to show off his skill set.

Even though Los Angeles fans are still having a difficult time forgiving Cooper for what took place last January when facing the Atlanta Falcons in the playoffs, keep in mind just how much of a disaster special teams was at times earlier on in the regular season with Tavon Austin.

In other words, Rams fans should appreciate the impact Cooper has made after leading the NFL last season by averaging 27.4 yards per kick return. But until Cooper is healthy enough to return, it will be interesting to see who is willing to step up for Los Angeles on special teams, whether it’s Kupp or someone else.

Even though he just turned 25 in the summer, Kupp looks like one of those players that has been playing in the NFL for years when seeing how quickly he’s become a reliable option for the Rams, and it’s crazy to think 2018 is only his second NFL season.

Finding a replacement for Cooper certainly won’t be easy since he’s obviously a one of a kind player on special teams, but that doesn’t mean Kupp isn’t capable of taking on the extra responsibilities.

Dating back to last season, Kupp has already prove to be willing to do whatever it takes to put the Rams in the best position to win games, and if McVay decides to give him a chance to fill in for Cooper in the mean time, the wideout should embrace the opportunity.