LA Rams Change Kickers
The Los Angeles Rams are making a change at kicker, promoting Harrison Mevis to make his NFL debut this Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite Joshua Karty missing or having eight field goals and extra points blocked—an NFL-high this season—the Rams are not releasing him, according to coach Sean McVay.
New Kicker and Long Snapper for Upcoming Game
Along with Mevis stepping in as kicker, Jake McQuaide returns as the Rams' long snapper, replacing Alex Ward. McQuaide previously served as the team's long snapper from 2011 to 2020.
Season Struggles with Kicking Unit
Karty and the Rams’ kicking unit have faced difficulties throughout the season, contributing significantly to their two losses.
- In September, Philadelphia blocked two of Karty's field goal attempts in the Eagles' 33-26 victory, including a potential game-winning 44-yard field goal that was returned for a touchdown by Jordan Davis.
- During a 26-23 overtime loss to San Francisco last month at SoFi Stadium, Karty missed a 53-yard field goal and had an extra point blocked late in the game.
- In a recent win over New Orleans, Karty missed an extra point and a 39-yard field goal, prompting McVay to make the change to the kicking unit.
"Karty and the Rams' placekicking unit have struggled all season, and the mistakes played a major role in both of their losses this season." — Coach Sean McVay
McVay addressed the weakest part of a potential Super Bowl contender by switching to Mevis for Sunday’s game.
Author's Summary
The Rams replaced struggling kicker Joshua Karty with Harrison Mevis and reinstated Jake McQuaide as long snapper to address costly kicking errors ahead of a crucial game.