Kupp returns despite being carted off after brutal horse-collar tackle

Cooper Kupp’s leg got caught underneath him when he was tackled from behind, but he returned to the game in the second half.

Second-year wide receiver Cooper Kupp has been a breakout star for the Los Angeles Rams with five touchdowns and 438 receiving yards in the first five weeks. But Kupp appeared to suffer a serious knee injury early in Week 6 against the Denver Broncos after he was brought down from behind by a horse-collar tackle.

Kupp was carted off the field and the Rams ruled him questionable to return shortly after his departure. Surprisingly, Kupp actually returned to play for the start of the second half. Shortly after, Kupp remained on the sideline for the Rams, with the sideline reporter at FOX saying that the Rams want to use him sparingly, so it’s hard to imagine he’s at 100 percent at this point.

The horse-collar tackle was made illegal in 2005 after multiple players, including Terrell Owens, Steve Smith, and Donovan McNabb suffered serious injuries during the 2004 season from the tackle. You don’t see them result in injuries often, but they are quite dangerous regardless.

The tackle Sunday earned Darian Stewart a 15-yard penalty. At the time of the injury, Kupp had seen one target, but no receptions. He did have a carry for 12 yards, however.