The Los Angeles Rams are making a significant change in their kicking game, promoting Harrison Mevis to make his NFL debut on Sunday in lieu of Joshua Karty. Despite Karty”s struggles this season, which include an NFL-high eight missed kicks, the Rams are not releasing him, according to head coach Sean McVay.
As the Rams prepare to face the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday, they will also have a new long snapper, with Jake McQuaide returning to the team after previously serving in that role from 2011 to 2020, replacing Alex Ward.
Karty”s performance has been under scrutiny, particularly in games where his missed opportunities played a critical role in the Rams” losses. For instance, during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Karty had two field goals blocked in the fourth quarter, including a potential game-winner that was returned for a touchdown. In another tight matchup against the 49ers last month, Karty missed a 53-yard attempt and had an extra point blocked.
In the Rams” recent victory over the New Orleans Saints, Karty further exacerbated the situation by missing an extra point and a 39-yard field goal attempt. This prompted McVay to seek a change in a crucial area for a team aiming for a Super Bowl run.
McVay has been cautious in attributing the failures solely to Karty, but it was clear that the second-year kicker bore enough responsibility to warrant a benching. Special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn noted that the team”s operational standards had not been met and emphasized the need for continuous evaluation and competition within the team.
Mevis, who gained recognition during his time at Missouri, had earned the nickname “The Thiccer Kicker” due to his physique. Despite going undrafted in 2024 after a stint with the Carolina Panthers, he showcased his kicking abilities with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL, hitting 20 out of 21 field goal attempts last season. He had a brief training camp experience with the New York Jets before they opted for a different kicker.
With the signing of both Mevis and McQuaide to the practice squad earlier this week, the Rams are hopeful that the changes will address the blocking issues that led to Karty”s earlier problems. Karty, drafted in the sixth round out of Stanford in 2024, had shown promise as a rookie, converting 29 out of 34 field goal attempts, but he also missed four extra points.
Mevis will become the 11th kicker to attempt a field goal for the Rams during McVay”s tenure as head coach, highlighting the ongoing challenges the team has faced in solidifying this position.
