The Rams were already without Matt Stafford (concussion), and now they may have lost their best play-marker. Cooper Kupp had his right leg rolled up on from the outside as he attempted to make a catch near the sideline. He ultimately limped off but was very uncomfortable putting weight on that leg. Kupp was also grabbing at the lower leg.
Based on the mechanism of injury I’m concerned that he’s dealing with a significant high ankle sprain. This means there is damage to the syndesmosis ligaments that hold the two lower leg bones together. This joint sits just above the ankle, and it’s a troubling injury. These ligaments are slow to heal due to poor blood flow. Any time you put weight on the leg these ligaments are involves, which also tends to lengthen the healing process.
Kupp will be sent for x-rays at the stadium to rule out a fracture. When this mechanism of injury occurs there is a concern that the fibula could break. An MRI would then be needed to determine the extent of any ligament damage.
The best case scenario here is a mild high ankle sprain. This would still take 3+ weeks to heal, but some players try to return sooner (although this isn’t wise). A moderate high ankle sprain would take 4-8 weeks to heal and would lead to a multi-week absence.
The Rams have already said that Kupp is doubtful to return, and I’m expecting a multi-week absence based on how severe this looked on film. Let’s now hope this isn’t season-ending. A few weeks ago Kupp also suffered an ankle injury, but that was to the low ankle joint and was fairly mild. This is far more concerning.
