Rams Reveal Kicking Competition End Date

Karty faces a challenge from newly signed Harrison Mevis, who joins the Rams’ practice squad. The decision on the starting kicker is expected on Thursday or Friday ahead of the Rams’ Week 10 road game against the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Sean McVay emphasized the importance of competition.

“We’ll implement more than we normally would on a Wednesday and a Thursday and truly be able to use it for a competition,” McVay said. “It’s all geared towards trying to just get some solutions and some kick consistency with our field goal operation. We have to be able to fix it now.”

The Rams also worked out kicker Rodrigo Blankenship this week, per the NFL transaction wire. However, they ended up signing Mevis, who also took part in the workout, instead.

Mevis, 23, brings a strong leg and a track record in the UFL, making 20 of 21 field goals, including five from 50 yards or more. Despite his promise, he remains untested at the NFL level. Karty, meanwhile, has struggled, converting just 10 of 15 field goals and missing an extra point in last week’s win over the New Orleans Saints.

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Return of McQuaide Brings Stability

Adding experience to the operation, the Rams re-signed veteran long snapper Jake McQuaide. Having spent 2011-2020 with Los Angeles, McQuaide expressed excitement about returning.

“He’s done it before and we have familiarity with him. He’s obviously going to earn the right to be out there, but if he looks like we would anticipate, things are trending in that direction,” McVay said.

McQuaide’s presence, alongside a competitive kicker battle, is intended to address systemic issues that extend beyond a single player—from snap to hold to kick. Current long snapper Alex Ward, Karty, and Mevis have all embraced the competitive process.

Systemic Fixes, Not Quick Patches

McVay underscored that the moves are part of a larger effort to fix the Rams’ special teams operation.

“It takes all 11. There are instances I could go in-depth on what occurred, but that doesn’t move us forward. Ultimately, I have to figure this out collectively with our coaches,” he said.

With the Week 10 showdown against the 49ers looming, Los Angeles knows that special teams must stop undermining its high-performing offense and defense. The combination of Mevis’ addition and McQuaide’s return may provide the stability the Rams have desperately needed all season.