Ramblin' Fan
FanSided

How Cooper Kupp's return could create far-reaching impacts to the Rams roster

Cooper Kupp's return is a huge boon to the LA Rams roster. But, it will trigger some less-than-positive impacts as well.

By Bret Stuter

May 28, 2024; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) during OTAs at the team training facility at California Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 28, 2024; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) during OTAs at the team training facility at California Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 8
Next

Rookie WR Jordan Whittington

Much like the surprising impact of rookie WR Puka Nacua in the offense last season, rookie WR Jordan Whittington has already proven to be far more talented in this offense than a late Day 3 selection should be. But with Kupp's return, will the offense continue to target Whittington at a rate to continue to feed his growth and development?

I'm afraid that may not happen.

When the team lost Kupp in the first four weeks in 2023, the team did not have any trust in veteran WR Demarcus Robinson, did not have any confidence in veteran WR Tutu Atwell, and simply promoted rookie WR Puka Nacua in a desperation move that panned out with the jackpot. The offense is not desperate enough to go all-in on Whittington in 2024.

That is not to say that Whittington does not deserve a heavy workload. He caught seven of ten passes against the Green Bay Packers in Week 5 for 89 yards, by far his most productive game of the season. And Whittington has put up 121 yards after the catch so far, a huge number that continues the tradition of successful Rams wide receivers.

The thing is, he needs targets to continue showing up big on game day. But with Cooper Kupp returning, those targets get harder and harder to come by.

Would Puka Nacua have set any rookie receiving records in 2024 if he faced the same conditions currently facing Jordan Whittington? Perhaps not. But Whittington will not showcase his full potential with the return of Kupp. And that, unfortunately, simply is the state of the offense.

Home/Rams News