The Los Angeles Rams have made a change at the kicker position, releasing Harrison Mevis and signing Blake Grupe from the New York Jets' practice squad. This move comes after Mevis' struggles in a high-stakes Monday Night loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Mevis missed a 50-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter and later had a 48-yard attempt blocked in overtime, which would have given the Rams the win. The Bills went on to win the game 37-34.
Key Takeaways
- The Los Angeles Rams have signed kicker Blake Grupe after releasing Harrison Mevis.
- Mevis struggled in a Monday Night loss to the Buffalo Bills, missing a 50-yard field goal attempt and having a 48-yard attempt blocked in overtime.
- Grupe arrives with prior NFL experience after stops with the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts.
What led to Harrison Mevis' release
Mevis has converted just five of his nine field goal attempts this season, a 55.6 percent mark that ranks last in the NFL. He has made all 14 of his extra-point tries, but his accuracy on longer attempts has faded in 2026.
Sean McVay's assessment of the kicking unit
Head coach Sean McVay was direct after the loss, stating that the kicking game was not good enough. He expressed regret over the third-down call that set up the long overtime attempt and said he would evaluate everything about the kicking operation.
Blake Grupe's background and experience
Blake Grupe, 27, arrives with prior NFL experience after stops with the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts. He handled kicking duties for the Saints for parts of three seasons before moving to Indianapolis late in 2025, where he converted all 11 of his field goal attempts.
By the numbers
- 55.6 percent: Mevis' field goal conversion rate this season
- 5/9: Mevis' field goal attempts made this season
- 14/14: Mevis' extra-point attempts made this season
- 81: Missed or blocked kicks by the Rams since 2017, including playoffs
The Rams' history of kicking issues
The Rams have had three blocked field goal attempts since the start of last season. Under McVay since 2017, including the playoffs, the team has recorded 81 missed or blocked kicks, the third-highest total in the NFL.
What's next for the Rams
The Rams moved quickly to add Grupe to the active roster, making this the second straight season Los Angeles has made an in-season switch at kicker. It remains to be seen how Grupe will perform, but the team is hoping he can bring stability to the kicking position.
Implications for the NFL season
The Rams' kicking woes could have significant implications for the team's chances in the NFL season. With a strong kicking game, the Rams could be a playoff contender, but with a struggling kicker, they may find it difficult to win close games.
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Comparison to other NFL teams
The Rams are not the only team to struggle with kicking issues. Several other teams have also had problems with their kickers, including the New York Jets and the Chicago Bears. However, the Rams' history of kicking issues is particularly notable, given their consistent struggles in this area.
What the signing of Blake Grupe means for the Rams' future
The signing of Blake Grupe could be a turning point for the Rams' kicking game. With his experience and success in the NFL, Grupe could bring much-needed stability to the position. However, it remains to be seen how he will perform, and the team will be closely watching his progress in the coming weeks.
How the Rams can improve their kicking game
To improve their kicking game, the Rams need to work on their special teams unit as a whole. This includes the kicker, holder, and long snapper, as well as the protection unit. With Grupe on board, the team is hoping to see an improvement in their kicking game, which could be a key factor in their success this season.
What to watch for in the Rams' next game
The Rams' next game will be a crucial test for Grupe and the team's kicking game. Fans will be watching to see how Grupe performs under pressure and whether the team can finally find some stability at the kicker position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Rams release Harrison Mevis?
The Rams released Mevis due to his struggles in a Monday Night loss to the Buffalo Bills, where he missed a 50-yard field goal attempt and had a 48-yard attempt blocked in overtime.
Who is Blake Grupe?
Blake Grupe is a 27-year-old kicker with prior NFL experience after stops with the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts.
What are the implications of the Rams' kicking woes for the NFL season?
The Rams' kicking woes could have significant implications for the team's chances in the NFL season, as a strong kicking game is crucial for winning close games.
