The Los Angeles Rams have made a significant change to their special teams, signing kicker Blake Grupe after releasing Harrison Mevis ahead of their Week 6 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Sean McVay explained that the decision came down to experience and the team’s desire for a reliable kicker who has performed in important game situations.
The move answers a key question among NFL fans: Did the Rams release their kicker? Yes, Los Angeles released Harrison Mevis and signed Grupe from the New York Jets’ practice squad, according to the reported transaction.
Why Did the Rams Release Harrison Mevis?
The Rams decided to move on from Mevis after his struggles against the Buffalo Bills. He missed a 50-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter and later had a potential game-winning 48-yard kick blocked in overtime.
Those missed opportunities prompted Los Angeles to reassess its kicking position. Rather than starting another open competition, the team chose to bring in a kicker with established NFL experience.
McVay explained that the Rams wanted someone who could step into the role without requiring an extended evaluation period. The coaching staff believed Grupe offered the best available combination of experience and recent performance.
Who Is Blake Grupe?
Blake Grupe entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints in 2023. He gained professional experience with New Orleans before his departure late in the 2025 season.
Grupe subsequently joined the Indianapolis Colts, where he delivered an encouraging performance over five games. He converted all 11 of his field goal attempts, including five from 40 yards or longer, giving him momentum heading into the offseason.
Indianapolis released Grupe during the summer, and the New York Jets later claimed him off waivers. After being waived by New York and returning to its practice squad, the kicker received another opportunity with the Rams.
His move to Los Angeles puts him on the team’s 53-man roster and gives him a chance to establish himself as the Rams’ primary kicker.
Blake Grupe’s NFL Career Stats
Grupe brings a solid record of professional kicking experience to Los Angeles. According to the reported career statistics, he has converted 86 of 105 field goal attempts and 96 of 98 extra-point attempts.
His career numbers highlight both his experience and his ability to contribute on extra points, while his recent performance with Indianapolis offers an encouraging sign for the Rams.
Here is a breakdown of his reported NFL career statistics:
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Field goals made | 86 |
| Field goal attempts | 105 |
| Field goal percentage | 81.9% |
| Extra points made | 96 |
| Extra-point attempts | 98 |
| Extra-point percentage | 98.0% |
Grupe’s experience in high-pressure situations was an important factor in the Rams’ decision. The team will hope his consistency helps improve its special teams performance during the remainder of the season.
What Sean McVay Said About Blake Grupe
McVay indicated that the Rams prioritized experience instead of repeating the competition they previously used when evaluating kickers. The coach highlighted Grupe’s work with Indianapolis and his experience in important professional settings.
Los Angeles considered whether to create another competition but ultimately decided to give Grupe a clear opportunity to handle the job.
The approach suggests the Rams want stability at kicker rather than spending additional time rotating players through the position. With the regular season underway, dependable field-goal production could prove important in close games.
When Will Blake Grupe Make His Rams Debut?
Grupe is expected to get his first opportunity with the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals. The matchup will give him an immediate chance to demonstrate that he can handle the pressure of kicking for a team with postseason ambitions.
His performance will be closely watched after Mevis’ costly misses against Buffalo. Converting field goals consistently, particularly from long distance, could help Grupe secure the position for the foreseeable future.
The Rams will also be looking for reliability on extra points and in late-game situations, where a single kick can determine the outcome.
Rams Release Kicker: What Happens Next?
The Rams’ decision to release Harrison Mevis and sign Blake Grupe represents a clear attempt to strengthen their kicking position. Instead of holding another competition, McVay and his coaching staff are putting their confidence in a veteran with a history of NFL experience.
Grupe’s perfect field-goal record during his five-game stint with Indianapolis offers a promising starting point, although his long-term success in Los Angeles will depend on how he performs under game-day pressure.
For now, the main question is whether Blake Grupe can provide the consistency the Rams need. His Week 6 debut against Arizona will be the first major test of the team’s latest special teams adjustment.
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