IRVINE, Calif. – The Los Angeles Rams are looking tighter and gaining more confidence on the field after their sixth practice of camp.
After some visible frustration from head coach Sean McVay with Tuesday’s performances, the team returned Thursday looking more cohesive.
“Sean, he felt a certain way,” said defensive coordinator Raheem Norris. “He was able to give his guys immediate feedback, and I think it’s up to us as coaches, us as players to respond.”
Here are three takeaways from the team’s practice Thursday:
Cooper Kupp considered day-to-day
After leaving Tuesday’s practice early with a hamstring injury, wide receiver Cooper Kupp was seen taking the field Thursday without practice gear. According to offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, Kupp remains day-to-day as he goes through his rehab process.
“Coop knows his body,” stated LaFleur. “He’s a professional, the guys working with him are professionals. They’ll get it right when the time’s right.”
With Kupp’s fluid status, the team looks to receivers such as Van Jefferson and Ben Skowronek. However, both Jefferson and Skowronek are returning from injuries.
Jefferson suffered multiple knee injuries in 2022, and Skowronek just returned to Thursday’s practice after missing Tuesday’s with back soreness.
Cobie Durant dominates in coverage
Second-year player Cobie Durant is set to play a big role this year as the team’s top cornerback, and is already filling the shoes.
In Thursday’s practice Durant exploded on the field, completing two pass breakups during tram drills. The first was a deflected pass intended for Austin Tremmell, the second came when Durant got his hands on pass thrown to Puka Nacua.
Big expectations are already appearing around Durant’s “star” role this season. NFL analyst Brian Baldinger picked 10 cornerbacks that he believes will break out in 2023, and Durant is one of them.
“He definitely made his presence felt in the final six games of the season,” wrote Baldinger. “The former fourth-round pick looks poised to play in the slot this fall, but is capable of playing outside, which he did with excellent technique in 2022 when Jalen Ramsey slid inside to the “Star” position.”
Aaron Donald makes NFL Top 100
Defensive Tackle Aaron Donald has claimed a spot on the NFL Top 100 for the seventh consecutive time. On Thursday, Donald checked in at No.11 on the list, nine slots down from his No. 2 spot last year.
The three-time defensive player of the year had five sacks, 11 QB hits and 49 tackles before suffering a season-ending ankle sprain in Week 12 last season.
Donald’s fellow teammate Kupp also made an appearance at No. 47 on this year’s Top 100 list.
