“I have a job to do here”

Quarterback Matthew Stafford, another target of trade rumors, said the speculation doesn't bother veterans like him or Kupp.

“Obviously I’m a fan of the league, so you hear those things,” Stafford said. “But to be honest, we are professional athletes, professional football players, who have dealt with this stuff before and understand that it comes with the territory. Don't put a lot into it because that's a disservice to what we're trying to do here.” “We've got a short week and a really good opponent to prepare for. I know he’ll stay there too, so we’re not too worried about it.”

In the only game in which he was healthy, Week 1 at Detroit, Kupp caught 14 of 21 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown. Kupp has missed 17 games over the last two seasons due to injury.

However, when he's on the field, he's Stafford's security blanket. According to Next Gen Stats, Kupp has been on the field on 54.5 percent of Stafford dropbacks since 2023. Stafford's passer rating is nearly 20 points higher with Kupp on the field (98.8) than with him off the field (79.4).

The question is whether Thursday's game will be the last for the dynamic duo or whether the show will go on.