The Los Angeles Rams have announced the release of kicker Joshua Karty, who had served as their starting kicker for one and a half seasons. This decision comes on the heels of Harrison Mevis taking over the kicking duties earlier this month. The Rams made this roster change on Friday before their upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers.
Karty”s replacement, Mevis, has quickly made an impact since stepping in three games ago. He has successfully converted 13 consecutive extra points and two field goals without any misses, bringing much-needed stability to a kicking unit that had struggled throughout the season.
Drafted by the Rams in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Karty had a promising start to his career, winning the starting position as a rookie. Last season, he converted 31 of his 34 field-goal attempts, showcasing his potential. However, this season has been a rollercoaster for the kicking group. Karty faced significant challenges, missing five out of 15 field-goal attempts and three extra-point attempts, often due to pressure and blocks from defenders.
One of the most notable moments of Karty”s season was during a close game against the Philadelphia Eagles in September, where two of his field-goal attempts were blocked in the final minutes. One of these was particularly devastating, as it would have secured a victory for the Rams but instead was returned for a touchdown, sealing a 33-26 loss.
After Karty”s struggles in a dominant win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 9, where he missed both a field goal and an extra point, the Rams decided to bring in Mevis to compete for the starting role. Since joining the team, Mevis has been flawless, and the Rams have also worked to improve their blocking unit to better protect their kicker.
Despite the issues, Karty remained on the roster for three weeks before the Rams ultimately decided to clear a spot for Mevis, signaling a new chapter for their special teams unit.
