Pharoh Cooper, Nelson Spruce ready to return for RamsBy Alden Gonzalez
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THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Los Angeles Rams coach Jeff Fisher was asked what Pharoh Cooper can bring to the offense when he's finally able to suit up.
"Hopefully some first downs," Fisher said. "That's the big thing."
Cooper and fellow rookie receiver Nelson Spruce finally appear set to debut in Sunday's divisional matchup against the Arizona Cardinals from University of Phoenix Stadium. The "probable" classification was eliminated from injury reports this year and neither was given any designation for Week 4, be it "questionable," "doubtful" or "out." It's as good a sign as any that they'll be on the field, there to help an offense that put up the NFL's second-fewest passing yards through the first three weeks.
Pharoh Cooper
Pharoh Cooper says he was "born ready" for game action.
Cooper was expected to begin the season as the No. 3 receiver, until injuring his left shoulder while making an acrobatic catch on a Jared Goff throw in the third preseason game.
"I can still feel it," Cooper said after Friday's practice. "I’m going to always feel it. That’s part of fracturing a bone. It’s nothing that serious. It’s pain free when I run. It’s fine."
Cooper called last week his "rehab week." He spent it trying to get over the mental hurdle of not re-injuring that shoulder and was able to go full speed over the last few days, running with the practice squad while mimicking Cardinals receivers. He is expected to be a big contributor in the offense moving forward, even though Brian Quick has done reasonably well while lining up mostly as the slot receiver in his absence.
"I've been going hard all week," Cooper said, "just trying to get back to my old self."
Asked if he was ready for game action, the Rams' fourth-round pick smiled.
"Born ready."
