SportsTrending
The Los Angeles Rams released kicker Harrison Mevis and signed Blake Grupe off the New York Jets' practice squad following special teams errors in a loss to the Buffalo Bills.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
The Los Angeles Rams have released kicker Harrison Mevis and signed Blake Grupe off the New York Jets' practice squad. The move follows a Monday night loss to the Buffalo Bills, where special teams errors contributed to the outcome. NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported the transaction on Tuesday.
Mevis struggled during the 2026 season, missing four of his nine field goal attempts. This included two misses in the overtime loss to Buffalo. His first miss was a 50-yard attempt during the Rams' opening drive, which allowed the Bills to maintain a 3-0 lead. Later, in overtime, Buffalo's Gregory Rousseau blocked Mevis' 48-yard game-winning try. While the block was partly due to the offensive line allowing Rousseau to surge through, the ball's trajectory appeared low and to the left.
In contrast, Mevis had a strong 2025 campaign, going 12 of 13 on field-goal attempts and a perfect 39 for 39 on extra points. This season, he successfully made all 14 point-after tries.
Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed the roster changes in a Tuesday news conference. Despite the kicking issues, McVay stated that special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone's job is secure. Ventrone was hired in January after the Rams fired previous coordinator Chase Blackburn in December following blunders in a loss to the Seahawks.
“I have a lot of confidence in Bubba Ventrone," McVay said. "There’s no changes that are gonna be made there. We’re gonna keep working. This isn’t the first time that we’ve had adversity and the first time that we’ve had some different things that I have to do a better job of.”
Blake Grupe, 27, joins the Rams after being claimed off waivers by the Jets following August's roster cutdown day. He was subsequently moved to the practice squad and did not kick for New York this season. Grupe previously played for the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts. According to the sources, he has an 81.9 field-goal percentage and 98.0% accuracy on extra points over three seasons.
The Rams' decision to replace Mevis highlights the immediate impact of special teams performance on game outcomes. By retaining Ventrone while changing the kicker, the team indicates a focus on player execution rather than systemic coaching changes. Grupe's arrival provides a new option for the kicking game as the Rams look to correct recent errors.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
The day's checked news, by email
One short email a day with the top stories. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Or follow for the latest news:
Formula 1 has signed a 10-year deal to host a Grand Prix in Rwanda starting in the early 2030s. The race will take place at a new circuit in Bugesera, marking the sport's return to Africa since 1993.
The U.S. women's national team erased a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with defending World Cup champion Spain in an exhibition match in Chester, Pa., on Oct. 13, 2026.
