Cooper Kupp uses prayer to cope with reduced role

Since generating 1,947 receiving yards in 2021, Rams receiver Cooper Kupp has not topped 1,000 in any season. He had just 710 receiving yards in 2024.

He last had a 100-yard game in mid-November. Over the past four, he has totaled 82 receiving yards — with one catch for 29 yards in each of the last two contests.

On Thursday, the Super Bowl LVI MVP was asked to explain how he copes with having a reduced role when he was once the focal point of the offense.

“You ask a lot,” Kupp said. “You do a lot of prayer and meditation. It’s football in some respects. Statistically, I’ve been through similar things like this before. Back in 2019, I think I finished the last half of that season probably averaging less than 50 yards a fight or something like that.

“Statistically, something is wrong. I can look back on these times like I played good football. Likewise, I just want to play good football. I want to watch the tape and see that I’m doing things the right way, separate , compete for my teammates, and do my assignments. That’s all I can do. Whatever they ask me to do, I will believe that if you do things the right way long enough, eventually things will come back. I’ll take that mentality, keep praying and these things will work out.”

Kupp turns 32 in June. He’s due $20 million in 2025, which is one of the reasons the Rams sought to trade him before digging out of their 1-4 hole to start the 2024 season.

Barring a massive restructuring and possibly reducing his deal, Kupp could be available in a trade after the season — and he might be released as the Rams’ passing game makes Puka Nacua the go-to guy.