Los Angeles Rams

Rams head coach Sean McVay dismissed some of the trade rumors surrounding Cooper Kupp, and it also sounds like he expects the star wide receiver to remain in Los Angeles past the deadline.

"Teams reached out," McVay said after the Rams' 30-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, per NFL Network's Bridget Condon. "Some of the things that are out there, they're just not true."

"There's not a lot of accountability to the reports," he added.

McVay was impressed with Kupp, who returned for the first time since suffering a sprained ankle in Week 2.

"I'm really glad to have Cooper Kupp back with us and I expect it to stay that way," McVay said, via Condon.

The Pro Bowl receiver finished with five catches for 51 yards and a touchdown on eight targets.

COOPER KUPP TD!!! 🙌#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/CsD4OicMUT

— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024

After the Rams fell to 2-4 through the first six weeks of the season, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that Los Angeles "called multiple teams" about trading Kupp in exchange for a second-round pick ahead of the Nov. 5 deadline.

The 31-year-old acknowledged the trade buzz when speaking to reporters on Tuesday.

"I'm aware of it, but at the end of the day, I mean, I'm going to be where my feet are," Kupp said, via ESPN's Sarah Barshop. "That's all I know. I have a job to do here. And I take a lot of pride in giving everything I can for the guys in this building and being able to step on the field knowing that I prepared the best that I can."

The Super Bowl 56 MVP has spent all eight years of his career with the Rams, setting a single-season franchise record with 1,947 receiving yards during his 2021 campaign.

Injuries have slowed down Kupp in recent years, as he's appeared in just 21 of a possible 34 regular-season games since 2022.

While the Rams may be reportedly willing to trade the veteran, they could also hold onto him past the deadline and attempt a playoff push following Thursday night's victory.

The return of the Los Angeles Rams' star receiving duo proved to be too much for the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night.

Matthew Stafford threw for four touchdowns during Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp's return as the Rams stormed to a 30-20 home win in Week 8.

COOPER KUPP TD!!! 🙌#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/CsD4OicMUT

— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024

Matthew Stafford in the first 6 games: 3 TD passes

Matthew Stafford tonight: 4 TD passes pic.twitter.com/7CiPMVgqty

— PFF (@PFF) October 25, 2024

Stafford finished the outing having gone 25-of-34 for 279 yards, recording a touchdown/interception ratio of 4:1 while facing minimal pressure from the Vikings defense.

MATTHEW STAFFORD IS SO DAMN GOOD!!!!!

— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 25, 2024

Matthew Stafford is playing out of his 36 year old mind. #MINvsLAR

— Natalie Sparbeck (@NatSparbeck) October 25, 2024

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times

Matthew Stafford is the most underappreciated QB in the NFL.

— Brendan Walker (@BWalkerNFL) October 25, 2024

Nacua, who had missed five previous games with a knee injury, made seven catches for a team-high 106 receiving yards in his return. Kupp meanwhile finished the win with 51 receiving yards and a touchdown in his return from a Week 2 ankle injury.

Smooth Criminal 🕴️

📺: @NFLonPrime | #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/uOnahxzgvt

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) October 25, 2024

Puka Nacua tonight:
- 9 tar, 7 rec, 106 yds
- 40-of-71 snaps (56%)
- 22 routes on 33 dropbacks (67%)
- 41% TPRR
(snaps/routes h/t @PFF_NateJahnke)

Starting Rams WRs typically play massive snaps/routes, so Nacua WAS limited.

Clearly, it didn't matter because of efficiency. https://t.co/um54aUKRoi

— Kevin Tompkins (Can Be Found On BlueSky) (@ktompkinsii) October 25, 2024

Starting to believe the Rams are a better team with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua

— Steve Palazzolo (@StevePalazzolo_) October 25, 2024

The Rams don't win this game without Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. Simple as that.

— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) October 25, 2024

Tied heading into the half, the Rams earned the advantage with a pair of field goals before veteran wideout Demarcus Robinson caught his second touchdown of the night to extend Los Angeles' lead to eight points in the fourth quarter.

Demarcus Robinson x2! Another TD for the veteran WR#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/WnqsIzGuxF

— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024

No longer a focal point for defenses … Nobody is happier to see Coop and Puka back than Demarcus Robinson!

— SeattleRams (@seattlerams_nfl) October 25, 2024

Demarcus Robinson whenever Kupp and Puka are on the field pic.twitter.com/63GwnKy1QH

— △ (@poolemeouttadis) October 25, 2024

Michael Hoecht and Jared Verse sacked Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold on the ensuing drive to send Minnesota back 13 yards and keep them from scoring.

Defense held the 5-1 Vikings to 6 points over the last 45 minutes.

HUGE.

— LTR🐏 (@LetsTalkRams) October 25, 2024

A missed call on a grab of Darnold's face mask on the final Minnesota drive of the game then ended the Vikings' hopes of a comeback.

Should penalties under the 2 minute warning be reviewable? 🤔

Clear facemask on Sam Darnold pic.twitter.com/zx7NJ2GtNo

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) October 25, 2024

Darnold’s head twisted like Beetlejuice right in front of the ref and no call.

— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) October 25, 2024

The guy who sacked Darnold grabbed his head because he knew it was a penalty and was frustrated!!! And they didn’t call it! What a freaking miss by the refs

— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) October 25, 2024

The Vikings fall to 5-2 on the season with the loss. Justin Jefferson led Minnesota receivers by making eight catches for 115 yards.

JUSTIN JEFFERSON UNBELIEVABLE CATCH 🤯

WR1.

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/r4wmTYxJjZ

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 25, 2024

Justin Jefferson is WR1 (always has been)

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) October 25, 2024

Justin Jefferson is the best receiver in the league and also, it really feels like few play-callers are more intentional about getting their top elite No. 1 into the flow of the game early and designing him targets (without going the Mickey Mouse route) than Kevin O’Connell.

— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) October 25, 2024

The Rams headed into their Week 6 bye with a 1-4 record and the looming possibility of becoming sellers at the Nov. 5 deadline.

With that record improved to 3-4 following wins over the Las Vegas Raiders and the Vikings, and Nacua and Kupp back in Stafford's target arsenal, the Rams have a new outlook as to their odds of challenging the Seattle Seahawks (4-3) and Arizona Cardinals (3-4) for the top of the NFC West.

This changes some things for the Rams. They’re at 3-4, and get the first-place Seahawks next. Very much in it in the NFC West.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 25, 2024

Well Nacua and Kupp ain’t going nowhere now they are in the race for the division

— Ricas (@Slic_Ric1) October 25, 2024

The NFC West is a rollercoaster. And the Rams appear to be a much different team with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua available.

— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) October 25, 2024

The Rams have an extended break before their fight for a postseason spot continues a week from Sunday as Stafford, Kupp and Nacua hit the road for a division matchup in Seattle.

Demarcus Robinson found the end zone multiple times during the Los Angeles Rams' 30-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football.

Robinson caught two passes for 35 yards and two touchdowns, with both scores occurring in the second half to help Los Angeles emerge victorious.

Demarcus Robinson tuddy 🔥 @RamsNFL take the lead! #MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/szA7hx8ikY

— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024

Demarcus Robinson x2! Another TD for the veteran WR#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/WnqsIzGuxF

— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024

The veteran stood out despite the returns of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, as both star wide receivers were out several weeks with injuries prior to the contest.

Robinson could be the target of fantasy football managers looking to make a waiver addition following the performance. He's currently available in 90 percent of Yahoo leagues and 87 percent of ESPN leagues, per FantasyPros.

The 30-year-old should continue to receive playing time moving forward, as he's appeared in at least 85 percent of Los Angeles' offensive snaps in each of the first six weeks of the season (via Pro Football Reference).

However, managers should be advised that the extra defensive attention on Kupp and Nacua may not necessarily mean that Robinson is in line to produce every week. He was only targeted three times against the Vikings and hasn't seen more than five targets in a game since Week 1.

Through six appearances prior to Thursday night, Robinson averaged just 33 yards per game and scored one touchdown.

It's also worth noting that Kupp and Nacua picked up right where they left off, combining for 12 catches and 157 yards while earning at least eight targets each.

COOPER KUPP TD!!! 🙌#MINvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/CsD4OicMUT

— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024

While Robinson may be a viable waiver addition to see if he's able to maintain the ability to find the end zone that he showcased in Thursday's win, he also presents a large risk for managers.

To NFL fans' delight, one of the most exciting wide receiver duos in the league is back on the field together.

Los Angeles Rams star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua returned to action on Thursday against the Minnesota Vikings after the two missed the last few weeks with injuries. The football world was excited to see them back from injury, including Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.

"Good to see my boy Puka back out there tonight," James wrote on social media. "Cooper too!"

Good to see my boy Puka back out there tonight. Cooper too!

— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 25, 2024

Nacua played the Rams' season opener but has missed the last five games with a leg injury. Kupp suffered a left ankle sprain in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals and has been sidelined ever since.

Nacua had an outstanding rookie year last season, totaling 1,486 receiving yards and six touchdowns. His receiving yards were the most ever by a rookie receiver.

Kupp missed five games last year but still picked up 737 receiving yards and five touchdowns. While injuries have derailed the past few seasons for Kupp, he's just a few years removed from leading the league in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns.

In Nacua and Kupp's absence, the Rams receiving numbers haven't been great. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has thrown just three passing touchdowns while giving away four interceptions. It's safe to say the veteran quarterback will welcome his two star receivers back with open arms.

With Nacua and Kupp back on the field, the Rams are hoping they can right the ship after a 2-4 start. Los Angeles shook off a rough start to the 2023 season and ended up reaching the playoffs, so the Rams are more than capable of a turnaround.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has been activated from injured reserve and will play on Thursday against the Minnesota Vikings after missing the past five games with a sprained PCL in his knee.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero noted the roster move, adding Nacua would not play "a normal snap count" in Thursday night's game.

ESPN's Adam Schefter noted around an hour before kickoff that both Nacua and Cooper Kupp would be active against the Vikings.

Rams WRs Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua both are active tonight vs. Vikings. pic.twitter.com/T3SPQDdedz

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 24, 2024

The Rams opened Nacua's 21-day practice window on Tuesday and had listed him as questionable for Thursday night despite only being a limited participant in practice this week.

Nacua was injured during the Rams' Week 1 loss to the Detroit Lions, finishing the game with four receptions for 35 yards and one carry for seven yards.

L.A. selected Nacua in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft out of BYU, and he unexpectedly had one of the greatest rookie seasons ever by a wide receiver.

Nacua set the NFL rookie records for receptions (105) and receiving yardage (1,486) in a season, while also scoring six touchdowns and rushing for an additional 89 yards.

Puka catch and run down the sideline for 80 yards!

📺: #LARvsNYG on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/sFjqko01pD pic.twitter.com/n8N5XtOVWk

— NFL (@NFL) December 31, 2023

He quickly established himself as quarterback Matthew Stafford's favorite target due in part to the fact that fellow wideout Cooper Kupp was banged up for much of the year and missed five games.

Kupp was expected to put up big numbers this season after Nacua got injured, but he suffered an ankle injury in Week 2 and has missed the Rams' past four games.

Despite returning to practice on a limited basis last week, Kupp did not play in the Rams' win over the Las Vegas Raiders, but he practiced in full this week and was removed from the injury report ahead of Thursday's game.

This season has been a struggle for Stafford thus far, as he has thrown for 1,392 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions in six games, but much of that can be attributed to the absence of his top two weapons in the passing game.

Kupp's return should provide a huge boost, and Nacua playing would be big for Stafford as well even if he is somewhat limited.

Nacua was such a dynamic playmaker last season that the Minnesota defense will at least have to account for him if he plays, which should in turn open things up for Kupp and other receivers.

From a fantasy football perspective, Kupp is a must-start player this week, whereas Nacua may be best left on the bench unless the other options are lacking.

It is possible Nacua may be more of a decoy than a significant part of the offensive gameplan if he plays, which wouldn't translate to much fantasy production.

There are reportedly multiple factors that may prevent teams from acquiring wide receiver Cooper Kupp from the Los Angeles Rams prior to the Nov. 5 NFL trade deadline.

During an appearance Thursday on Get Up, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter noted that teams could struggle to meet the Rams' asking price and to afford Kupp's contract:

"It seems like the Rams are at least open to listening to offers for Cooper Kupp. The problem is there aren't that many teams in the league that can afford to pay what the Rams would ask in return and pay Cooper Kupp's salary for an aging veteran at this time of the year. Cooper Kupp might have more value to the Rams than anybody else. There aren't a lot of teams out there that need a player like that, that can afford a player like that, and make it happen. That's the issue, although it could happen."

Kupp signed a three-year, $80.1 million extension in 2022 and is under contract through 2026. He carries a salary cap hit of $29.78 million this season and next, and a $27.33 million cap hit in 2026, per Spotrac.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Tuesday that the Rams have "called multiple teams" about trading Kupp and are looking for a second-round pick in return. They have reportedly also shown a willingness to retain some of Kupp's 2024 salary.

Russini later reported that the Rams and Kansas City Chiefs held talks focused on Kupp before the Chiefs ultimately acquired wideout DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans.

The Chiefs reportedly balked on Kupp because they didn't want to trade a high draft pick and needed a trade partner that would retain significant salary.

Kupp, 31, is in the midst of his third consecutive injury-plagued season, as he has missed the Rams' past four games with an ankle injury.

Stafford to Kupp for the lead!

📺: #LARvsDET on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/A6S1WbYg5l

— NFL (@NFL) September 9, 2024

He also missed eight games in 2022 and five games last season, which has prevented him from even coming close to matching his historic 2021 campaign.

That year, Kupp was named a Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro for the first only time in his career to date. He also led the NFL with 145 catches for 1,947 yards 16 touchdowns, won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award, finished third in NFL MVP voting and won the Super Bowl MVP Award.

If Kupp still has it in him to perform anywhere near that level, he would perhaps be a championship-winning acquisition for any team that trades for him.

Kupp returned to practice this week as a full participant and was removed from the injury report, meaning he will play in the Rams' game against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night.

In some respects, the game could be an audition for Kupp, as teams may be compelled to give up a second-round pick for him if he shows no ill effects from the ankle injury.

However, if the Rams win Thursday and improve their record to 3-4, they will be back in the thick of the playoff and AFC West divisional race, so they may be less willing to move Kupp.

Of course, it is possible for a team to blow them away with a huge offer regardless, but parting with significant capital for Kupp would be a massive risk given his recent injury history.

The 2024 campaign is shaping up to be the season of wide receiver trades, and the Los Angeles Rams reportedly want more for Cooper Kupp than the Las Vegas Raiders received from the New York Jets for Davante Adams.

"I know what they've told other teams is it's going to cost more than Davante Adams cost," NFL insider Albert Breer said Wednesday during a discussion with Colin Cowherd (two-minute mark).

ESPN's Adam Schefter noted the Jets sent a conditional third-round draft pick to the Raiders, but that pick can become a second-rounder if Adams is on the active roster for the AFC Championship Game or Super Bowl or qualifies for the All-Pro First or Second team.

This comes after Dianna Russini, Mike Silver and Jordan Rodrigue of The Athletic reported Tuesday that Los Angeles wants a second-round pick in return and is even willing to eat some of the receiver's 2024 salary to facilitate a trade.

Kupp is making $15 million in base salary this year.

The Adams trade isn't the only one the Rams and interested teams could use as a blueprint. After all, the Cleveland Browns traded Amari Cooper and a 2025 sixth-round draft pick to the Buffalo Bills for a 2025 third-round pick and 2026 seventh-round pick.

What's more, the Tennessee Titans traded DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs for a conditional fifth-round draft pick that can become a fourth-rounder.

Given those trades, a second-rounder may be a bit steep for Kupp.

While there is no doubting his talent, durability has been an issue. He has played just two games this season after appearing in 12 in 2023 and nine in 2022. The durability concerns have prevented him from building on a dominant 2021 season.

Kupp led the league in catches (145), receiving yards (1,947) and touchdown catches (16) as the Offensive Player of the Year in 2021. He also took home the Super Bowl MVP to end that season as the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals.

That version of Kupp would be worth more than a second-rounder, so perhaps a team will take a chance hoping he can replicate that production when he returns to the field.

A rumor started floating around on social media on Tuesday night that the Minnesota Vikings were pursuing a trade for Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, but it sounds like that's not the case.

Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune reported on Wednesday that "there's zero truth to the idea the Vikings are trying to trade for" Stafford.

The Vikings are coming off their first loss of the year after falling to the Detroit Lions on Sunday 31-29. However, Minnesota is still regarded as one of the best teams in the league and appears to have a real chance at competing for a spot in the Super Bowl.

Trading Stafford sounds like a farfetched idea, but the Rams are 2-4 and could be willing to start building for the future by dealing away its top players. Star receiver Cooper Kupp told reporters on Tuesday that he's "aware" his name has come up in trade rumors, so there's a chance he isn't alone.

However, the Vikings don't appear to have a quarterback problem, as Sam Darnold is playing the best football of his career. The 2018 No. 3 pick has completed a career-best 66.5 percent of his passes for 1,370 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. He was expected to be a bridge quarterback for rookie JJ McCarthy, the 2024 No. 10 pick, but McCarthy underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn meniscus.

It would make little sense for the Vikings to disrupt their chemistry by removing Darnold as the starter, even for someone of Stafford's caliber. It should also be noted that Stafford hasn't been very productive this year with just three touchdowns and four interceptions.

Coincidentally, the Vikings and Rams are set to face each other on Thursday Night Football. It wouldn't be a surprise if the speculation surrounding Stafford continued until the Nov. 5 trade deadline.

As he nears his return to the field after dealing with an ankle injury, Cooper Kupp has found his name in trade rumors.

The Los Angeles Rams star receiver said knows about the rumors but ultimately is focusing on what he can control.

"I'm aware of it, but at the end of the day, I'm going to be where my feet are," he said, per the Orange County Register's Adam Grosbard. "That's all I know. I have a job to do here, and I take a lot of pride in doing everything I can for the guys in this building and being able to step on the field knowing that I prepared the best that I can. For seven-and-a-half years, I've been an LA Ram and I've taken that approach every single day. And whatever happens outside of that, I gotta control what I can control and right now that means being the best LA Ram that I can be."

After the blockbuster trades that sent Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders to the New York Jets and Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills last week, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that teams started inquiring with the Rams about Kupp.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported Tuesday that Los Angeles has called "multiple teams about trading" Kupp.

Along with Kupp, star quarterback Matthew Stafford could be another Ram on the move. The Athletic's Jordan Rodrigue reported that Los Angeles isn't "protecting" Stafford, meaning it could be looking to part with the veteran, perhaps in return for draft picks.

The trade rumors come amid a 2-4 start to the season for the Rams, who seem to be trending toward missing the playoffs this year. If the front office decides to start looking toward the future rather than the present, trading Kupp could be a part of their plans.

Kupp, who led the league in receiving yards, receptions and touchdowns in 2021, hasn't played a full season over the past three years. The 31-year-old is still an elite receiver when healthy—he had 110 receiving yards and a touchdown in Week 1—and he could be a good pickup for playoff contenders looking to add more talent.

For now, he'll focus on getting healthy and playing his best football.