Pharoh Cooper Returns From The I.R.

Ed "Pi Double i" Henderson

WorldWide Rams

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​The Los Angeles Rams have designated their 2017 NFC Special Team Player of the year and receiver Pharoh Cooper for the injured reserve. Cooper who suffered a knee injury in the Los Angeles Rams week one game against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland Coliseum. Cooper's injury was so significant that it required surgery because of some structural damage.

Cooper timing of being designated back to the roster couldn't come at a far better time as the Rams lost starting receiver Cooper Kupp to a season-ending knee injury. Kupp would tear his ACL on the same knee he injured a few weeks back on a non-contact play. Cooper will come up, and more than likely fulfill Josh Reynolds spot as he slated to start in Kupp's absence.

In Thursday media session, head coach Sean McVay spoke on how hard Cooper been working to get back. They are very optimistic from his recovery and hope that he will be subtle enough to be active on Monday night as the Rams are set to host the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. This game will feature a game with two teams that share similar features, a 9-1 record, two league-leading quarterbacks, two dual talented running backs, and two explosives offenses.

Cooper's return generally means that the Rams have a decision to make on JoJo Natson who was very electric in Cooper's absent and recently signed receiver Nick Williams who's familiar with the Rams offense. Natson who was so electric for the Rams in the beginning until a broken hand sidelined him for one game. Williams managed to make a couple of receptions while active, but he's been inactive the last two games. Nonetheless, the Rams will have to make a tough decision on which of the two players are worth keeping.

The Rams remain with one player left to designate from the I.R. list, as receiver Mike Thomas was placed on the I.R. week one as well. Besides the Rams have cornerback Aqib Talib, who suffered an ankle injury in week three. Talib is on track to return after the Rams bye next week, making eligible to play against the Detroit Lions. Consider the lack of pass coverage lately; the Rams will designate Talib over Thomas who will be the loss for the season.

The Rams playing on Monday Night Football at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will be the first time since the 1979 season. The game was initially set to play in Mexico City, at the Estadio Azteca. Before the games, the stadium promoters risked a gamble by scheduling a soccer match and a concert before the Monday matchup. The cleanup left the field in terrible shape as ground crews tried their best to repair the damaged playing field. 

In the photos above, you can see the field prior to the soccer and concert, and the aftermath of the conclusion. However, they couldn't get the field to meet the NFL standards, as players from both teams decided to boycott if the game if not relocated. It turned out to be a devastating blow to Mexico City as many vendors, and employment lost. However, the player's safety meant more than the potential monetary gain as the league ruled to relocate the game back to Los Angeles.  ​

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