For more than a month, Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper has been fighting through a foot injury.
It’s been a tough break for the terrific rookie and the Raiders offense. In Oakland’s last game, a Christmas Eve overtime victory over the Chargers, Cooper caught just two passes for 10 yards and was sidelined most of the game because of the pain in his foot.
The injury certainly has put the brakes on what has been a great first year for the Raiders’ top 2015 draft pick, though his numbers remain outstanding.
He set rookie franchise records for both receptions and receiving yards. He’s had 70 catches for 1,050 yards and an average of 15 yards per catch. He has six TDs, 16 catches of 20 or more yards and 396 yards after catches. He ranks 17th in the NFL in receiving yards and 20th in yards after catch.
Cooper was limited in practice Wednesday and is listed as probable Sunday when the 7-8 Raiders take on the 10-5 Chiefs in Kansas City (1:25 p.m. kickoff).
Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio told reporters Wednesday that he’s hopeful Cooper will be able to play, as Oakland makes a push to finish with a non-losing record.
Cooper, too, when asked Wednesday if he believes he can play against Kansas City, answered, “Hopefully.”
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No matter if he plays or not, though, Cooper has made an enormous impact this season and is a foundation piece on a team that looks to finally be on the rise.
“It’s been a learning experience, getting accustomed to a new league,” said Cooper.
He said he’s hopeful that he and his fellow rookies – such as middle linebacker Ben Heeney, defensive end Mario Edwards Jr, tight end Clive Walford, who have all played big roles – can make an even bigger impact in 2016.
“It’s really encouraging, guys are stepping up, making plays, being available,” he said. “It’s exciting to see what the future holds.”
Former NFL executive Gil Brandt, now an analyst for NFL.com, also is high on Cooper’s long-term future in the league.
“He’s a legitimate No. 1 receiver, size-wise and speed-wise, who excels at picking up yards after the catch,” Brandt recently wrote, adding: “He’ll be a marquee player for years to come.”
