The Los Angeles Rams are making a significant change to their special teams unit following a disappointing overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills. The team has officially signed veteran kicker Blake Grupe from the New York Jets' practice squad and released Harrison Mevis, ending the 24-year-old's tenure in Los Angeles after a difficult start to the season. ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed the transactions Wednesday, one day after Rams head coach Sean McVay announced the team's decision to move in a different direction.
The change comes after Los Angeles suffered a 37-34 overtime loss to Buffalo on Monday Night Football, a game in which missed opportunities in the kicking game played a significant role in the outcome. Mevis missed a 50-yard field goal in the first quarter before having a potential game-winning 48-yard attempt blocked by Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau in overtime. Buffalo eventually capitalized on the opportunity, with Tyler Bass connecting on a 45-yard field goal to secure the victory.
Following the loss, McVay expressed frustration with the Rams' special teams performance, making it clear that changes could be coming. The following day, he confirmed that Mevis would be released and Grupe would take over the kicking duties. "Ultimately we need better production, and that's what we're hoping to get out of from Blake," McVay said Tuesday, according to the Rams' official website.
Although McVay initially criticized the kicking unit for costing Los Angeles an opportunity to win, he later clarified that Mevis was not solely responsible for the defeat. The decision also reflects a larger concern surrounding the Rams' kicking game this season. Through five games, Mevis converted just five of nine field-goal attempts, although he successfully made all 14 of his extra-point attempts.
All four of his missed field goals came from beyond 40 yards, highlighting an area where Los Angeles has struggled to find consistency. It marks a disappointing ending for a player who appeared to have established himself as the team's long-term answer at the position. Mevis joined the Rams midway through the 2025 season after the team moved on from Joshua Karty.
He quickly made an impact, converting 12 of 13 field-goal attempts during the regular season before making all six of his postseason attempts. His performance included a game-winning field goal against the Chicago Bears in the divisional round, helping Los Angeles advance deeper into the playoffs. However, that success did not carry over into the 2026 season.
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