‘I have a job to do here’

Quarterback Matthew Stafford, another target of trade rumors, said the speculation doesn’t bother veterans like himself or Kupp.

“Obviously, I’m a fan of the league, so you hear those things,” Stafford said. “But to be honest, we’re pro athletes, professional football players who have kind of dealt with this stuff before, understand it comes with the territory. Don’t put much into it because that’s a disservice to what we got going on here. We’ve got a short week and a really good opponent to try to prepare for, so that’s our full focus. I know that’s where he stays too, so (we) don’t worry too much about that stuff.”

In the only game he was healthy, Week 1 in Detroit, Kupp caught 14 of 21 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown. Kupp has missed 17 games in the past two-plus seasons due to injuries.

When he’s on the field, however, he’s been Stafford’s security blanket. Kupp has been on the field for 54.5 percent of Stafford dropbacks since 2023, per Next Gen Stats. Stafford’s passer rating is nearly 20 points higher with Kupp on the field (98.8) than with him off the field (79.4).

The question is whether Thursday’s game is the last for the dynamic duo or if the show goes on.