Seahawks get a lucky break for Week 1 with key Rams injury

The Seahawks had the benefit of facing the Rams without their most dynamic offensive weapon last season, and it looks as if they will get that opportunity again in the season opener. Cooper Kupp missed both of the meetings between the Rams and Seahawks last season because of a high ankle sprain that limited him […]

Nicholas McGee

Sep 3, 2023 5:06 AM EDT

Oct 7, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) and linebacker Jordyn Brooks (56) after making a reception during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks had the benefit of facing the Rams without their most dynamic offensive weapon last season, and it looks as if they will get that opportunity again in the season opener.

Cooper Kupp missed both of the meetings between the Rams and Seahawks last season because of a high ankle sprain that limited him to nine games in 2022.

The All-Pro wide receiver, who achieved the Triple Crown in 2021, leading the league in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns, is now dealing with a hamstring injury, with head coach Sean McVay describing him as “day to day”.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Kupp went to see a specialist in Minnesota to get a better understanding of the issue. Per Rapoport, the Rams “exercising caution” in Week 1 is the most likely outcome.

While there has been no firm word on Cooper Kupp’s status, exercising caution for Week 1 is the likely outcome. It’s a long season and putting him on the field early at less than 100% doesn’t help anyone. https://t.co/JpXpTrYS97
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2023

That would mean the Seahawks avoiding facing a receiver who has in recent years enjoyed significant success against their defense.

Kupp caught 16 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns across the Rams’ two games with the Seahawks in 2021. He has four regular-season games with at least 90 receiving yards against the Seahawks.

Undoubtedly Matthew Stafford’s favorite target, the threat the Rams pose without Kupp is significantly less. Their depth chart at receiver behind Kupp makes for grim reading for the Rams. Van Jefferson and Tutu Attwell are listed as the other starters, while the backups are Ben Skowronek, Demarcus Robinson and rookie Puka Nacua.

McVay and his offensive staff have the acumen to put Stafford in a position to succeed regardless of the identity of his weapons, and the Rams do have a useful tight end in Tyler Higbee.

Yet the reality is that, with Kupp seemingly out of the picture, the odds are set to be stacked in the favor of a deep and diverse Seahawks secondary that has the talent to neutralize the Los Angeles passing game.