The Los Angeles Rams have released kicker Harrison Mevis and signed Blake Grupe from the New York Jets' practice squad following a disappointing performance in Week 5.
Why it matters: The Rams are addressing persistent issues in their kicking game after Mevis struggled throughout the season. His release signals the team's urgency to improve special teams performance.
Mevis, nicknamed the "Thiccer Kicker," made only 5 of 9 field goals this season, leading to his release.
Rams coach Sean McVay expressed frustration, stating the kicking game was "not even close to good enough" after a recent loss.
Grupe brings experience, having played for the Saints and Colts, with an 82% success rate on field goals.
Driving the news: This change comes after Mevis missed two key field goals in a 37-34 overtime loss against the Buffalo Bills. His first miss was a 50-yarder, and his potential game-winning attempt was blocked.
In the loss to Buffalo, Mevis missed a 50-yard field goal on the opening drive, allowing the Bills to take an early lead.
His blocked 48-yard attempt in overtime was a turning point in the game, contributing to the Rams falling to a 2-3 record.
McVay stated he would evaluate everything about the kicking unit after the game.
State of play: Mevis had a stellar 2025 season, going 12 of 13 on field goals and making all 39 extra-point attempts. This season, his performance sharply declined.
Mevis was perfect on extra points, converting all 14 attempts, but his field goal percentage plummeted.
Prior to his release, he had missed four field goals in five games, leading the NFL in missed field goals.
Grupe's signing marks the second position change for the Rams under special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone this season.
The big picture: The Rams have faced challenges in their kicking game, with 81 total missed or blocked kicks since McVay took over in 2017, the third-highest total in the NFL.
Special teams have been a recurring issue for the Rams, affecting their performance in multiple games.
Grupe, who has an 81.9% field-goal percentage and 98% accuracy on extra points, aims to provide stability.
Last season, Grupe finished strong with the Colts, converting all 11 of his field goal attempts after joining mid-season.
What they're saying: McVay made it clear that the team's performance in the kicking game was unacceptable, emphasizing the need for improvement.
“In the kicking game, especially with our PAT, field goal, not even close to good enough. It cost us the game tonight,” McVay said.
Grupe will now be tasked with alleviating the pressure on the Rams' special teams.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if Grupe can replicate the success Mevis had last season.
By the numbers: Grupe's career statistics show promise as he steps into a struggling unit.
He has converted 86 of 105 field goal attempts, translating to an 82% success rate.
Grupe maintained a remarkable 98% accuracy on extra points over three seasons, making 96 of 98 attempts.
Mevis, in stark comparison, only managed to convert 5 of 9 field goals this season before his release.
What's next: Grupe's debut with the Rams is highly anticipated as the team looks to stabilize its kicking game.
The Rams will depend on Grupe's experience and reliability as they prepare for their next matchup.
Fans will eagerly await to see how Grupe performs under pressure, especially after Mevis's rocky start to the season.
The Rams' special teams unit has been under scrutiny, and Grupe's performance will be key in determining future strategies.