The Los Angeles Rams are making a significant change to their kicking game, promoting Harrison Mevis to replace Joshua Karty as the team”s kicker for their upcoming matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. This decision comes as the Rams prepare for their Sunday game, with Mevis set to make his NFL debut.
Despite Karty”s struggles, including missing eight field goals or extra points this season, Rams head coach Sean McVay assured that Karty will not be released. “I still do have a lot of confidence in Josh Karty,” McVay stated. “He”s not going anywhere, but it”s about who do I think gives us the best chance to have successful outcomes, particularly in that operation with the given factors on Sunday against the Niners.”
This season has seen Karty”s kicking unit face numerous challenges, which have been pivotal in the Rams” two losses. Notably, during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Karty had two field goals blocked in the fourth quarter, including a critical 44-yard attempt that was returned for a touchdown. In a previous overtime loss to the 49ers, Karty missed a 53-yard field goal attempt and had an extra point blocked.
Last Sunday, Karty missed both an extra point and a 39-yard field goal in a game where the Rams secured a decisive victory over the New Orleans Saints. Following that performance, McVay expressed that the Rams “can”t continue like this,” prompting the decision to make a change in a crucial area of a team expected to contend for the Super Bowl.
McVay acknowledged the extensive discussions surrounding the team”s kicking situation, emphasizing the need for improvement. “We”ve talked about this probably more than anything that I”ve ever had to talk about since I”ve been the head coach of the Rams,” he remarked. “But there are a lot of things that go into it. What I can”t predict is the future, but I do think that this is going to be the best thing for this game.”
Mevis, who gained recognition as “The Thiccer Kicker” during his college days at Missouri, has not been on an NFL roster since going undrafted in 2024. His recent stint with the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL saw him successfully convert 20 out of 21 field goal attempts. After a training camp with the New York Jets, where the team opted for veteran kicker Nick Folk, Mevis finds himself in a prime position to showcase his skills in a high-stakes rivalry game.
McVay is optimistic about Mevis”s readiness for this intense matchup, citing his experience in high-pressure situations during his college career. “He”s kicked in a lot of big games when you go back to his career at Missouri,” McVay noted. “There are always those factors that come into it, but I think at the end of the day you have to have the clarity and the courage to be able to make the decisions that you think are best.”
Additionally, the Rams have re-signed long snapper Jake McQuaide, who previously held the position from 2011 to 2020, to replace Alex Ward. This move is part of the Rams” efforts to address the issues that led to Karty”s blocked kicks. Special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn highlighted the need for ongoing evaluation and competition within the team to drive success.
Karty, drafted in the sixth round out of Stanford in 2024, had a respectable rookie season, making 29 of 34 field goal attempts, but struggled with extra points, missing four. With Mevis stepping in, he will become the 11th kicker to attempt a field goal under McVay”s leadership since he took over as head coach.
Injury updates for the Rams include wide receiver Jordan Whittington, who is anticipated to play despite recent back issues. Cornerback Darious Williams is also expected to return after missing the previous game.
