It’s rare for a player to be named an All-Pro at two different positions in the same season, but that’s exactly what Pharoh Cooper did with the Los Angeles Rams last season. He was a first-team All-Pro kick returner and a second-team selection as a punt returner, proving to be one of the overall best specialists in the league, if not the best.

Unfortunately, this season has been nothing like the last. Cooper has been on injured reserve since injuring his ankle in Week 1, undergoing surgery to repair the issue. Players have to remain on IR for at least eight weeks, which means Cooper is eligible to return this week against the Seahawks.

That likely won’t be the case, though, and it’s possible Cooper will remain on IR all season. Sean McVay admitted that the play of JoJo Natson on punts and Blake Countess on kick returns will have an impact on the Rams’ decision surrounding Cooper.

“Pharoh is a great player for us, but I think when you do look at the position that Pharoh’s done an excellent job being a Pro Bowl player at that, you always want to be smart about how you’re utilizing those spots when you do only have those two,” he said Wednesday. “We love Pharoh, but it does affect it. That’s something that you do take into account in terms of whether or not that means that we would or wouldn’t [activate him]. We haven’t made that decision yet, but I think JoJo, having done a nice job as punt returner, and Blake as a kick returner, definitely does affect the conversation that you have with regards to Pharoh based on his contributions.”

If the Rams do activate Cooper, they’ll have to release someone from the 53-man roster to take his place. Nick Williams would seem like a possible choice while Natson and Countess are undoubtedly safe after the jobs they’ve done. Natson is averaging 14.9 yards per punt return, while Countess is bringing kickoffs back 25 yards on average.

No matter which route the Rams go, they’ll be in good shape on special teams.