Rams Sign Harrison Mevis to Challenge Joshua Karty for Kicking Role

The Los Angeles Rams are addressing their kicking challenges head-on. The team has signed kicker Harrison Mevis to the practice squad as part of their effort to enhance competition for the kicking role. This decision follows the recent acquisition of veteran long-snapper Jake McQuaide.

Rams Sign Harrison Mevis to Compete with Joshua Karty

Harrison Mevis joins the Rams as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. This game is scheduled to take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Sunday.

Recent Kicking Issues

The Rams currently hold a 6-2 record. Their losses have highlighted consistent problems in their kicking game. These issues were evident in their recent loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and against the 49ers. In a more recent game against the New Orleans Saints, kicker Joshua Karty struggled, missing a 39-yard field goal and an extra-point attempt. Overall, Karty’s performance shows he has converted 10 of 15 field-goal attempts and 23 of 26 extra-point attempts.

Coaching Insights

Head Coach Sean McVay emphasized the need for improvement. “It’s important to have good competition at some spots that we feel we can have improved play,” he stated. The coaching staff plans to assess all aspects of the kicking operation as they prepare for their next game.

Player Assessments and Competition

• Karty acknowledged the struggles of the kicking unit and expressed a commitment to improving.
• Mevis, 23, previously played at Missouri, successfully converting 89 of 106 field-goal attempts and even making one from 61 yards.
• In this past United Football League season, he achieved 20 of 21 field-goal attempts.

The competition between Karty and Mevis is set to intensify during special-teams drills this week. Coach McVay said they would be implementing more drills than usual for midweek practices. Karty, feeling confident after a recent practice, stated, “I have a great sense of what I need to do to get better.”

Returning Veteran Long-Snapper

McQuaide, who previously played for the Rams from 2011 to 2020, has come back to challenge Alex Ward for the long-snapping role. He expressed his eagerness to help the team and noted that he unexpectedly received the call back from the Rams while training at home in Ohio.

In conclusion, the Rams are actively seeking solutions to enhance their kicking performance. With Harrison Mevis and Joshua Karty now competing for the kicker position, fans will be watching closely as the season progresses.