Rams make changes following loss to Bills on MNF

The Los Angeles Rams are making a significant change to their special teams unit following a costly NFL defeat, releasing kicker Harrison Mevis and signing Blake Grupe off the New York Jets’ practice squad.

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The #Rams are moving on from K Harrison Mevis, per me and @MikeGarafolo, as coach Sean McVay authors a special teams shakeup. They are signing Blake Grupe off the #Jets practice squad. https://t.co/6qvMnb0W9b

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2026

According to NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, the Rams announced the moves Tuesday, two days after their heartbreaking 37-34 overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football.

The decision comes after Mevis missed a 50-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter before having a potential game-winning 48-yard attempt blocked in overtime. The blocked kick proved particularly costly, as Los Angeles missed an opportunity to secure a much-needed victory.

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Mevis struggles as Rams make kicking change

Nov 30, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Los Angeles Rams place kicker Harrison Mevis (92) kicks a point after try during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Mevis, 24, is in his second season with Los Angeles but has struggled to replicate the accuracy he displayed during his rookie campaign.

Through the opening five games of the 2026 season, Mevis has converted just five of his nine field goal attempts, a disappointing success rate of 55.6%. Last season, he made 12 of 13 attempts, converting an impressive 92.3%.

The latest blocked attempt also adds to a troubling trend for the Rams. Los Angeles has now had three field goal attempts blocked since the beginning of last season, tied for the most in the NFL.

Following Monday’s defeat, Mevis defended his execution on the decisive kick.

“I feel like I hit it good,” Mevis said after the game. “That’s all I can tell you. I mean, I hit it good, gave it a chance.”

Despite his confidence in the attempt, the Rams have decided to move in a different direction as they look to stabilize their special teams performance.

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Grupe gets opportunity with Los Angeles

Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez (8) holds the ball for place kicker Blake Grupe (10) to kick an extra point against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Grupe, 27, joins the Rams after spending time with the Jets, New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts.

Last season, Grupe converted 29 of 37 field goal attempts, finishing with a success rate of 78.4%. He also went five-for-five on field goals with Indianapolis to close out the campaign.

The Rams will hope Grupe can provide greater consistency as they attempt to turn around their early-season struggles.

Los Angeles currently sits at 2-3 and faces another important divisional matchup next Sunday, when it hosts the 1-4 Arizona Cardinals in Week 6.

With the kicking position now under new management, Grupe could play a crucial role in helping the Rams get back on track.

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