Rams' Cooper Kupp is aware of trade rumors ahead of expected return

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp says he's aware his name has been mentioned in trade rumors ahead of the Nov. 5 NFL trade deadline but is focused on “being the best LA Ram” he can be .

When asked if the Rams have spoken to him or his representatives about the possibility of a trade, Kupp said: “Nothing, actually. No. It's that time of year. There will be rumors and things going around. I’ll allow that.” I stay in the background as much as I can.

“I'm aware of it, but at the end of the day I'll be where I am,” Kupp said. “That's all I know. I have a job to do here. And I'm very proud to give everything I can for the guys in this building and to be able to step onto the field knowing that I prepared to the best of my ability.” And I've been an LA Ram for seven and a half years and have took this approach every day.

“And whatever happens beyond that, I have to control what I can control. And right now that means being the best LA Ram I can be.”

Kupp hasn't played since Week 2, when he sprained his ankle in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals. In two games before his injury, he had 18 catches for 147 yards and a touchdown.

It was estimated that Kupp was fully participating in training on Tuesday, but this was a minor matter as it was a short week. He was scheduled to play at home against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night.

Kupp, who was not placed on injured reserve, returned to practice last week and was listed as questionable to play in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The veteran receiver said he prepared as if he was going to play on Sunday — including his pregame workout at SoFi Stadium — before being told he would be inactive.

“There is always faith, always belief that there will be a chance,” Kupp said Tuesday. “So that was kind of my take on it.”

Kupp said he wasn't sure what his workload would be when he returned against the Vikings, but that it would ultimately be up to the coaches and training staff to decide.

“I don’t like leaving the field,” Kupp said. “I would like to be able to play as much as possible and that will be my attitude. … And we have some guys who have played really good football over the last few weeks as well, and I think that. “Ultimately we want to figure out what the best grouping is, what the best group of guys is, how to get those guys on and off the field, whatever it takes to get the LA Rams a “W.”

Kupp, who missed four games on injured reserve last season with a hamstring injury, said he is “confident” in his return.

“Having the opportunity to have a full offseason this year and build that up and put in the work to get ready to do something this year,” he said, “I'm really confident about coming back now with that knowledge .” that I have this basis and can play really good football.”