The Los Angeles Rams need a win against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17 — or a loss by the Chicago Bears — to make the playoffs. But the Rams might rely more on the Green Bay Packers taking care of business against Chicago rather than winning themselves.
Los Angeles will be without the team’s top passer, rusher and receiver for its Week 17 matchup, however. Quarterback Jared Goff broke his thumb, requiring surgery to repair it. Darrell Henderson was placed on the injured reserve this week with a high ankle sprain.
And now wide receiver Cooper Kupp is reportedly out for at least 10 days after testing positive for the coronavirus, according to NFL Network. Kupp had been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, but it wasn’t yet clear if Kupp had been a close contact or actually tested positive.
Kupp leads the Rams with 974 receiving yards this season from 92 catches. He also had three touchdowns. Without Kupp, Robert Woods should receive a larger load. But Woods and Los Angeles’ other wideouts will catch passes from John Wolford, a 25-year-old who has never taken a regular season snap in the NFL.
Henderson has rushed for 624 yards and five touchdowns while also catching 16 passes for another 159 yards and a score. Running back Cam Akers could also miss this weekend’s contest against the Cardinals with a high ankle sprain, leaving Malcolm Brown as the likely lead rusher.
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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