With four muffed punts in five weeks, Tavon Austin was pulled from his usual punt return duties after Sunday’s loss to the Seahawks – a game in which he had two fumbles (one lost). Sean McVay decided to give Austin “a break” from returning punts as a result of his struggles, suggesting either Pharoh Cooper or Cooper Kupp will take his place in the coming weeks.

Following Wednesday’s practice, McVay seemed to be close to a decision, suggesting Cooper will be the primary punt returner on Sunday against Jacksonville.

“Cooper and Pharoh did a nice job there fielding those,” McVay said. “It’s looking like probably Pharoh will be the guy that will do that for us, but Cooper has done it already where you really look at in some of those punt save situations, very sure-handed.”

Kupp replaced Austin for one punt return on Sunday after Tavon’s first fumble, calling for a fair catch on the play. He caught it fairly deep in his own territory, which might be why McVay opted to use him in that situation, given his steady hands.

The coach eluded to that factor Wednesday, but Cooper’s explosiveness and playmaking ability seem to make him the better option.

“I think when you look at the role that he has offensively and then how well Pharoh’s done as far as a kick returner, feel a lot of confidence in him and that’s more likely the direction that we will go. But, both those guys will continue to get work throughout the week,” he added.

No player has returned more kickoffs than Cooper this season, taking back 13 on the year. He’s fumbled once, but he’s also third in kick return average at 27.1 yards per attempt. It helps that he took one back 66 yards, the longest in the NFL this season, bolstering his lead in terms of total yards (352).

Austin is probably the more electric weapon as a punt returner, but the Rams can’t continue to give away possessions with his constant fumbles.

“I know my situation,” Austin said Wednesday, via ESPN. “I really believe I’m the best punt returner in the league; just gotta get rid of a couple problems I’m dealing with right now. But it’s going to be what it’s going to be. I’d rather come off than hurt this team.”

Cooper has five career punt returns for 5 yards, his longest being 6 yards. He’s also fair caught three punts.