If the Bears can’t beat the Packers on Sunday, then they’ll be rooting for the Rams to knock off the Cardinals to get them into the playoffs. It’s just that the Rams’ challenge of beating the Cardinals is getting tougher with each passing day.
First, Los Angeles will go to battle without starting quarterback Jared Goff. The Rams’ QB1 is having surgery on his injured thumb, which paves the way for AAF standout John Wolford to start against Arizona.
And now, this:
We've placed WR Cooper Kupp on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 29, 2020
Kupp, 27, is a remarkable receiver and a key component in the Rams offense. Through 15 games, Kupp has 92 catches and 974 receiving yards. Those are team-leading marks in both categories. This marks his second consecutive 90+ catch season, and he needs just 26 yards to collect a second straight 1,000-yard receiving campaign. In other words, it would be a major loss if Kupp can’t suit up for the Rams on Sunday.
A couple of points for clarification purposes. Players on the reserve/COVID-19 list haven’t necessarily tested positive for the coronavirus. Because of the NFL’s rules on how teams announce players going to this list, it’s uncertain if Kupp tested positive or came in close contact with someone who did. Moreover, placement on the reserve/COVID-19 list doesn’t necessarily disqualify Kupp from playing on Sunday. Remember, Bears safety Eddie Jackson was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list early in the week before Week 12’s game against the Packers. But Jackson was removed a four days later, then played what amounts to his normal snap share. With that in mind, Kupp could still be eligible to play. It’s just that his placement on the reserve/COVID-19 list complicates things.
We’ll continue to monitor this and other situations pertaining to Sunday’s Rams-Cardinals game, especially since it has Bears ramifications.