The Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, and Kansas City Chiefs are already dealing with the injury bug two weeks into the 2024 NFL season, as Cooper Kupp, Deebo Samuel, and Isiah Pacheco are projected to miss extensive playing time.
As ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported, Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed that Kupp might be relegated to injured reserve following his recent injury. Therefore, the 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year will likely be unavailable for their Week 3 game versus the 49ers.
It’s an unfortunate development for Kupp because he has already missed 13 games in 2022 and 2023. Worst yet, Kupp might be sidelined after Puka Nacua is already on IR. The absence of their top two pass-catchers will force the likes of Tutu Atwell, Demarcus Robinson, and Jordan Whittington to step up.
Meanwhile, Samuel might be sidelined for a few weeks due to a calf strain. He suffered the injury during their 23-17 Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings when he caught a two-yard pass from Brock Purdy before the fourth quarter’s two-minute warning.
Through two games, Samuel has 13 catches for 164 yards. However, his absence will add to the reigning NFC Champions’ injury woes because they’re already missing the services of last season's Offensive Player of the Year, Christian McCaffrey.
Finally, Pacheco could miss up to six weeks of action after undergoing surgery on his fractured fibula. AS NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport reported, Pacheco left Arrowhead Stadium after their Week 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals on a walking boot.
Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco to undergo surgery this week on fractured fibula, will miss at least six weeks. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/aMAyv6upd1
— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2024
Pacheco has 135 rushing yards and a touchdown after two games this season. His absence will force Carson Steele and Samaje Perine to step up for Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire as they visit the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3.
-Lance Fernandez