Cooper Kupp ‘Expected to Play’ vs. Cardinals: Report

Getty

Some good news is hitting the Seattle Seahawks ahead of its Week 10 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals – at least according to one insider. 

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported November 8 that Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp is “expected to play” Sunday, November 9, when the Arizona Cardinals visit Lumen Field. Kupp carries a questionable tag because of hamstring and heel injuries but trended upward by week’s end.

Seattle listed Kupp as a non-participant early in the week before he progressed and was ultimately listed as questionable on the final injury report. ESPN’s Seahawks beat coverage noted Kupp was a full participant Friday, a positive sign that aligned with Fowler’s update. 

The timing matters for a Seahawks receiver group that has been stretched. Seattle ruled out Jake Bobo (calf), sent Dareke Young (quad/hip) to the IR and listed rookie Tory Horton (groin/shin) as doubtful for Sunday. The team also added speedster Rashid Shaheed this week to bolster depth, but Kupp’s availability changes the target tree.

What Fowler Reported

Fowler, ESPN’s senior national NFL reporter, posted Saturday that “Seahawks WR Cooper Kupp (questionable, hamstring/heel) is expected to play Sunday vs. Cardinals, per source.” His update comes one week after multiple reports indicated Kupp was unlikely to play against Washington; Seattle indeed held him out in Week 9. 

The Seahawks’ own injury report on Friday listed Kupp as questionable but reflected the late-week progress. NBC Sports also summarized Seattle’s final designations, noting Horton as doubtful and Kupp questionable to face Arizona.

What It Means for Seattle’s Offense

GettyCooper Kupp returning to the explosive Seattle Seahawks offense makes an already deadly unit even more lethal.

If Kupp is active, he immediately resumes an important, impactful role in offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s system as a chain-mover from the slot with flexibility outside. His presence should free up Jaxon Smith-Njigba on intermediate digs and crossers while giving Sam Darnold a reliable hot answer against pressure. Seattle’s midweek trade for Rashid Shaheed adds a vertical stressor, potentially clearing space for Kupp’s option routes.

Even a managed snap count would matter. Seattle leaned on practice-squad elevations and rookies last week and is still short on healthy bodies. A functional Kupp alters how Arizona can bracket coverage; the Cardinals’ defense has mixed zone-match looks with pressure, but Kupp’s route craft makes him a tough third-down assignment.

Seattle also formalized its receiver room by acquiring Shaheed earlier in the week amid injuries, which further signaled the team wanted immediate help. Still, a healthy Kupp would be the top read in high-leverage downs.

On the season, Kupp has 24 receptions for 293 yards and a touchdown – modest numbers for the MVP of Super Bowl LVI. However, his presence in the Seattle passing game has opened up Smith-Njigba and allowed the young receiver to dominate in the passing game. 

The Bigger Picture

Kupp signed a three-year deal with Seattle in March after the Rams released him in a cap move, reuniting the Yakima native with his home-state team. He brings elite route timing and strong hands to a unit that has leaned into rhythm passing under Darnold. Availability has been Kupp’s question in recent seasons; hamstring issues cost him time with Los Angeles and now have cropped up in Seattle. 

Erik Anderson is an award-winning sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. Anderson is also the host of The Rip City Pod on The I-5 Corridor, where he dives into the stories and personalities shaping the Portland Trail Blazers. His work has appeared in nationally-recognized outlets including The New York Times, Associated Press , USA Today, and ESPN. More about Erik Anderson