Blake Grupe suffered a right knee injury during the Los Angeles Rams’ 18-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, October 18, 2026. The injury came in the kicker’s first game with the Rams after the team signed him from the New York Jets’ practice squad earlier in the week.
The latest Blake Grupe injury update raises concerns about his availability for the Rams’ upcoming Week 7 matchup. Grupe was seen leaving the locker room on crutches with his knee in a brace, adding uncertainty to Los Angeles’ already unsettled kicking situation.
Blake Grupe Injury Update: What Happened?
Grupe injured his right knee while making a tackle on special teams during the game against the Cardinals at SoFi Stadium. The incident occurred just over five minutes into the first quarter after Arizona returner Devin Duvernay brought the kickoff back 40 yards toward midfield.
Following an evaluation inside the blue medical tent, Grupe went directly to the locker room. The Rams subsequently ruled him out for the remainder of the contest early in the fourth quarter.
After the game, Grupe was spotted wearing a substantial knee brace and using crutches. Although these signs raised concerns about the severity of the injury, the available reports did not confirm a specific diagnosis or establish a timetable for his return.
The Rams will need to monitor his recovery before determining whether he can play in their next game.
Is Blake Grupe Playing in Week 7?
Grupe’s availability for Week 7 remains uncertain following his knee injury against Arizona. His appearance on crutches and with a brace suggests that the injury could affect his short-term availability, but those details alone do not confirm that he will miss the next game.
Los Angeles could look for another kicker if Grupe cannot recover in time. The team has already made a change at the position after releasing Harrison Mevis, meaning another injury could force the coaching staff to make yet another adjustment.
An official diagnosis, roster transaction or subsequent team announcement will be important in determining Grupe’s status.
Blake Grupe Makes a Field Goal Before Injury
Despite the injury, Grupe made an early contribution to the Rams’ offense. He converted a 44-yard field goal with 9:41 remaining in the first quarter, giving Los Angeles a 3-0 lead.
However, his afternoon ended prematurely after the special-teams tackle. His departure forced the Rams to adjust their kicking operation for the remainder of the game.
The injury became another complication for a team that has struggled to establish consistency at kicker during the 2026 season.
Ethan Evans Steps In After Blake Grupe Injury
With Grupe unavailable, punter Ethan Evans became an important part of the Rams’ emergency kicking arrangement.
Evans practiced kicks on the sideline after Grupe’s injury. When Los Angeles scored its first touchdown with 8:23 remaining in the second quarter, the Rams elected to attempt a two-point conversion instead of kicking an extra point. The attempt failed.
Evans eventually handled an extra-point attempt with 47 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, helping Los Angeles take a 16-15 lead. Backup quarterback Stetson Bennett served as the holder, a responsibility normally handled by Evans.
The unusual arrangement demonstrated how quickly an injury at kicker can affect a team’s special-teams plans.
Evans explained that the team prepares for unexpected situations and that players must be ready to execute when called upon. His experience kicking and punting at Division II Wingate helped him step into the unfamiliar role.
Why the Rams Signed Blake Grupe
The Rams signed Grupe from the New York Jets’ practice squad on Tuesday, October 13, following their overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Los Angeles released Harrison Mevis after he struggled in the 37-34 defeat. Mevis had a potential game-winning field goal blocked and missed another attempt, prompting the Rams to make a change.
Before joining Los Angeles, Grupe had played for the New Orleans Saints, who gave him his first NFL opportunity in 2023. He also spent five games with the Indianapolis Colts during the 2025 season, converting all 11 of his field-goal attempts during that stint.
The Rams hoped Grupe could provide greater reliability at a position that had become a concern. Unfortunately, his first appearance with the team ended with an injury.
Rams Face Another Kicking Dilemma
Grupe’s injury is particularly concerning because Los Angeles has repeatedly changed kickers over the past several seasons. He became the fifth kicker used by the Rams in their previous 57 games, highlighting the team’s ongoing search for stability.
Mevis had converted five of nine field-goal attempts during the 2026 season, including just three of seven from 40 yards or longer. His struggles contributed to the decision to bring in Grupe.
If Grupe is unable to return quickly, the Rams may need to sign another kicker before their next game. The coaching staff will also have to consider how to manage extra points and field-goal attempts if the team again finds itself without a specialist.
For a team with ambitions of competing deep into the postseason, reliable kicking remains essential in close games.
Blake Grupe Injury: Latest Status
As of October 19, 2026, the key points surrounding Grupe’s injury are:
- Injury: Right knee.
- When it happened: October 18 against the Arizona Cardinals.
- How it happened: While tackling Devin Duvernay on kickoff coverage.
- Game status: Ruled out for the remainder of the game.
- Postgame condition: Seen on crutches with a knee brace.
- Week 7 availability: Uncertain; no confirmed return timetable was available in the reports provided.
- Replacement option: Ethan Evans handled an extra point after Grupe left the game.
Conclusion
Blake Grupe’s knee injury has created another challenge for the Los Angeles Rams after the team recently brought him in to replace Harrison Mevis. Grupe made a 44-yard field goal before leaving the game, but his injury forced Los Angeles to reorganize its special-teams operation.
Ethan Evans stepped up to handle an extra point, showing the importance of having contingency plans when a specialist goes down. The Rams must now evaluate Grupe’s condition and decide whether they need another kicker ahead of Week 7.
Until further medical information or an official roster update becomes available, Grupe’s return timeline remains uncertain.
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