The Los Angeles Rams are taking decisive action to resolve their kicking issues. On Wednesday, the team announced the signing of kicker Harrison Mevis to their practice squad, where he will compete against second-year kicker Joshua Karty. This decision follows the recent addition of veteran long-snapper Jake McQuaide, who will contend for the position with Alex Ward.
Head coach Sean McVay commented on the changes, stating, “It”s all geared toward trying to be able to just get some solutions and some kick consistency really with our field-goal operation. I think it”s important to have good competition at some spots that we feel we can have improved play.”
The Rams are preparing for their upcoming matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi”s Stadium in Santa Clara this Sunday. With a current record of 6-2, the Rams” two losses—against the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the 49ers—were notably influenced by challenges in their kicking game. Although some concerns resurfaced during last week”s game against the New Orleans Saints, they did not lead to dire consequences, as the Rams achieved a commanding victory.
In the game against the Saints, Karty struggled, missing a 39-yard field goal attempt and failing on an extra-point attempt. He has successfully converted 10 of 15 field-goal attempts and 23 of 26 extra-point tries this season. Following the game, McVay indicated that the team would assess “all parts of where we go with this operation.”
The Rams” decision to bring in McQuaide, who previously played with the Rams from 2011 to 2020, signals a commitment to bolstering their special teams. McVay expressed confidence in McQuaide, saying, “If all things go well with Jake, we expect him to be our long-snapper.”
Mevis, who previously played at Missouri, boasts an impressive record, having made 89 of 106 field-goal attempts, including a notable 61-yarder. During his time in the United Football League last season, he converted 20 of 21 field-goal attempts. This week, Karty and Mevis will engage in intensified special teams drills as they compete for the starting position. “We”ll implement more than we normally would on a Wednesday and a Thursday and truly be able to kind of use it as a competition,” McVay added.
