Kupp makes return from injury
Receiver back at practice after hamstring issue
Los Angeles Rams receiver Cooper Kupp is returning to practice this week after missing the first four games of the season with a hamstring injury.
Kupp rejoined his teammates Wednesday when the Rams (2-2) began their preparations to host unbeaten Philadelphia on Sunday.
The Super Bowl 56 MVP entered the 21-day window for activation from injured reserve along with rookie linebacker Ochaun Mathis, who also hasn’t played this season. Kupp, 30, strained his hamstring early in training camp and aggravated it in late August.
“(Kupp) has put in a lot of work behind the scenes to be able to rehab and get himself to where he’s feeling good,” coach Sean McVay said. “He said he’s feeling really good. I trust him. He’s a guy that really knows his body really well, a very experienced player. We want to be smart as we ramp up his workload.”
Kupp began this season on the injured list after also missing the final eight games of last season with an ankle injury, but his return for his first game since Nov. 13 appears to be imminent. Although Kupp was listed as being limited in practice on the Rams’ official injury report, McVay corrected himself after reading the list during his news conference.
“He’s going to go through practice today and we’re going to see exactly what that looks like,” McVay said. “It says limited. He’s not going to be limited. I was like Ron Burgundy, just reading off the damn injury report. He’s going through a normal practice, so we’ll see how he’s feeling.”
Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are trading cornerback J.C. Jackson to the Patriots, sending him back to where he began his career, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
Los Angeles is also sending a 2025 seventh-round pick to New England, in exchange for a 2025 sixth -round pick, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the trade had not been announced. Jackson intercepted 25 passes in four seasons and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2021 with New England.
Colts
Jonathan Taylor’s status with Indianapolis has been in flux for months during his protracted contract standoff. Taylor, an All-Pro running back, rejoined the Colts on the field for the first time since last December — he’s preparing to be activated from the physically unable to perform list.
Broncos
Denver has decided to part ways with pass rusher Randy Gregory, a person familiar with the decision told The AP. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity. Gregory’s release comes just 18 months after he signed a five-year, $70 million contract that included a $14 million salary this season, $10.9 million of which he is still due.
Falcons
Atlanta signed defensive lineman Eli Ankou to its active roster. Receiver Josh Ali was placed on injured reserve after missing last week’s game with an ankle injury. Ankou has 43 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks in 33 games with Jacksonville, Cleveland, Dallas and Buffalo.
Jaguars
Veteran left tackle Cam Robinson and receiver Zay Jones returned to practice for Jacksonville. Robinson is back after a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performanceenhancers, and Jones has missed the past two games because of a knee injury.
Jets
Two of the Jets recent draft picks have begun practice again. Jets tackle Carter Warren and defensive back Jarrick Bernard-Converse practiced after both players suffered injuries. Warren was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 draft out of Pitts. After receiving 43 snaps during the preseason Hall of Fame game against the Browns, Warren was put on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury.