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Lindsey ThiryESPN
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – The plight of the Los Angeles Rams in the attack continues to evolve ahead of a crucial week 17 showdown against the Arizona Cardinals.
On Tuesday, Rams placed lead receiver Cooper Kupp on the reserve / COVID-19 list. The team did not reveal whether the test was positive or was considered close contact with someone who did.
Kupp should remain on the list for 10 days if the test is positive or five days if he is considered a close, high-risk contact from someone who did. If Kupp is not considered a high-risk contact, there is no strict timetable for his return.
Depending on Kupp’s situation, it is still possible that he will be activated for the end of Sunday’s regular season.
Also on Tuesday, the Rams officially hired quarterback Blake Bortles of the Denver Broncos training team in a move that coach Sean McVay said he expected after announcing on Monday that quarterback Jared Goff will not play against the Cardinals after passing by thumb surgery.
Quarterback John Wolford will make his first NFL debut in the absence of Goff. Bortles, who is familiar with Rams’ attack after serving as Goff’s reserve last season, will support Wolford.
In order to win a playoff spot, the Rams (9-6) must beat the Cardinals (8-7) at SoFi Stadium or the Chicago Bears must lose (8-7) at home to the Green Bay Packers (12-3) )
Along with a quarterback who has never appeared in an NFL game and the uncertainty in his position as a wide receiver, Rams will also be shorthanded in the backfield against the Cardinals.
Running back Darrell Henderson Jr. was placed on reserve by injury on Tuesday because of an ankle sprain he suffered in the 20-9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
And newcomer Cam Akers is also dealing with an ankle sprain he suffered in week 15 that left him inactive against the Seahawks. McVay said Monday that there is a possibility that Akers will be available on Sunday.
However, because of the typical 4-6 week recovery for most ankle sprains, veteran running back Malcolm Brown is more likely to start and support most of the workload, with newcomers Xavier Jones and Raymond Calais supporting you.
Kupp leads the Rams with 974 receiving yards and has been instrumental in his success on the third downhill. If he is not available, expect the novice wide receiver Van Jefferson to play a bigger role alongside Robert Woods and Josh Reynolds.
Jefferson managed 15 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown this season.
The Rams won seven consecutive wins against the Cardinals under McVay.