The Los Angeles Rams made a decisive move Wednesday, signing kicker Harrison Mevis to their practice squad and promoting running back Ronnie Rivers to the active roster. The moves signal urgency as the team grapples with persistent issues in its kicking game, an area that has disrupted momentum despite strong offensive and defensive performances.
Kicking Concerns Prompt Action
Mevis, 23, brings a promising but untested presence to the Rams’ kicking unit. A Missouri product, Mevis went undrafted in 2024 before brief stints with the Carolina Panthers, Jets, and the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL. During his time in the UFL, Mevis made 20 of 21 field goals, including five from at least 50 yards, earning the nickname “The Thiccer Kicker” for his 5’11, 243-pound frame.
Joshua Karty, the Rams’ primary kicker, has struggled through the first nine weeks of the NFL season. He is 10-of-15 on field goals and 23-of-26 on extra points, with a particularly rough showing last Sunday against the New Orleans Saints when he missed a 39-yard field goal and an extra point. Head coach Sean McVay addressed the situation candidly:
“It’s got to get better. We’re going to be able to figure out how to fix this, but it can’t continue like this with regards to our kicking operation. I’m not going to get into blaming anybody specifically. Ultimately, it’s my responsibility. It’s gone on for too long, and we’ve got to be able to fix it.”
Support Local and Independent Sports Writing – Subscribe To the LAFB Network Today!
Beyond the Rams Kicker
Get LAFB’s World Famous ‘Ring Me’ Aaron Donald T-Shirt
McVay emphasized that the issue extends beyond Karty, encompassing the entire kicking operation—from snap to hold to kick. Blocking breakdowns, timing errors, and other mechanical issues have contributed to the team’s inconsistency.
“It takes all 11. There are instances I could go in-depth on what occurred, but that doesn’t move us forward. Ultimately, I have to figure this out collectively with our coaches,” McVay said.
Despite the struggles, McVay praised other units, highlighting punter Ethan Evans and the coverage team, noting that the offense and defense are performing at a high level.
Swift Adjustments Ahead
The Rams enter Week 10 on the road against the San Francisco 49ers with clear instructions: the kicking game must improve. Mevis’ addition introduces competition and potential stability, but McVay insists that a single personnel change will not solve systemic problems.
“It’s been a step back, and that’s disappointing and unfortunate. Time’s up. We have to fix it now.”
The message is clear: Los Angeles cannot allow special teams struggles to undermine its strong performance elsewhere. The Rams are acting with urgency, blending accountability, strategy, and personnel moves to address a problem that has lingered too long.
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Rams YouTube Channel
