Rams holding kicker competition after signing Harrison Mevis to practice squad
After another pair of missed field goals in their win over the New Orleans Saints, the Los Angeles Rams are preparing to make key adjustments to their special teams unit. The organization appears ready to re-evaluate both the kicking and snapping positions.
New practice squad additions
On Tuesday, the Rams (6-2) added veteran long snapper Jake McQuaide to their practice squad. The following day, they also signed kicker Harrison Mevis, setting up a direct competition between Mevis and current kicker Joshua Karty.
Coaching perspective
“Certainly, there’s a lot of layers to everything that’s gone on in that phase,” head coach Sean McVay said. “But those are two areas that those guys have done a lot of really good stuff for us but we want to be able to see a little more consistency in those areas. I think these guys will be here to push them and then that allows us to make a decision.”
McVay noted that McQuaide is expected to replace Alex Ward as the long snapper for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers (6-3), if practice goes as planned.
McQuaide’s experience
Jake McQuaide previously played 10 seasons with the Rams from 2011 to 2020 and earned Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017. In 2024, he split time with the Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins.
Summary
The Rams, aiming for more consistency on special teams, have sparked competition in both kicker and long snapper roles as they prepare to face the 49ers.