Rams release kicker Harrison Mevis after overtime miss
The Los Angeles Rams released kicker Harrison Mevis on Tuesday following a 37-34 loss to the Buffalo Bills, in which a blocked overtime field goal attempt proved decisive. OutKick confirmed the move, while NFL Network first reported the team's decision. The Rams signed Blake Grupe from the New York Jets' practice squad to fill the vacancy. Head coach Sean McVay stated that the kicking game was "not even close to good enough" and that the special teams performance "cost us the game tonight." McVay indicated he would evaluate all aspects of the unit after the loss. Mevis missed a 50-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter of the game against the Bills. His 48-yard attempt in overtime was blocked, ending the Rams' bid for a win. The special teams unit has faced scrutiny since McVay took over in 2017. According to ESPN, opponents have blocked three of the Rams' kicks since the start of last season, a total tied for the most in the NFL. Including playoffs, the Rams have had 81 kicks missed or blocked since 2017, ranking third in the league. Mevis, who weighs 245 pounds and is nicknamed the "Thicker Kicker," joined the active roster last November. In nine games last season, he made 12 of 13 field goal attempts and all 39 extra-point attempts. He was also perfect in three playoff games, converting all six field goal attempts and nine extra-point attempts. This season, Mevis made five of nine field goal attempts in the team's first five games. Grupe, 27, played for the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints over three seasons. He has made 86 of 106 field goal attempts and 96 of 98 extra-point attempts in his career. Grupe finished last season with the Colts, where he made all 11 of his field goal attempts in five games. Mevis told reporters he felt he hit the overtime kick well and would need to review the footage. The Rams expect Grupe to stabilize the position moving forward.
The Los Angeles Rams released kicker Harrison Mevis on Tuesday following a 37-34 loss to the Buffalo Bills, in which a blocked overtime field goal attempt proved decisive. OutKick confirmed the move, while NFL Network first reported the team's decision. The Rams signed Blake Grupe from the New York Jets' practice squad to fill the vacancy. Head coach Sean McVay stated that the kicking game was "not even close to good enough" and that the special teams performance "cost us the game tonight." McVay indicated he would evaluate all aspects of the unit after the loss. Mevis missed a 50-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter of the game against the Bills. His 48-yard attempt in overtime was blocked, ending the Rams' bid for a win. The special teams unit has faced scrutiny since McVay took over in 2017. According to ESPN, opponents have blocked three of the Rams' kicks since the start of last season, a total tied for the most in the NFL. Including playoffs, the Rams have had 81 kicks missed or blocked since 2017, ranking third in the league. Mevis, who weighs 245 pounds and is nicknamed the "Thicker Kicker," joined the active roster last November. In nine games last season, he made 12 of 13 field goal attempts and all 39 extra-point attempts. He was also perfect in three playoff games, converting all six field goal attempts and nine extra-point attempts. This season, Mevis made five of nine field goal attempts in the team's first five games. Grupe, 27, played for the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints over three seasons. He has made 86 of 106 field goal attempts and 96 of 98 extra-point attempts in his career. Grupe finished last season with the Colts, where he made all 11 of his field goal attempts in five games. Mevis told reporters he felt he hit the overtime kick well and would need to review the footage. The Rams expect Grupe to stabilize the position moving forward.