On October 6, 2026, the Los Angeles Rams faced the Buffalo Bills in an overtime thriller. With the game hanging in the balance, a field goal attempt was blocked, sending the Rams home with a loss. The missed kick became the immediate catalyst for a roster move that would shake up the special teams unit.
Harrison Mevis, known among teammates as the 'Thiccer Kicker,' had a difficult 2026 campaign. He converted only five of his nine field goal attempts, resulting in a 55.6 percent success rate. That figure highlighted his struggles during the 2026 season.
Rams release K Harrison Mevis. (via @RapSheet, @MikeGarafolo) https://t.co/2VDFYFo0Ht
Following the overtime loss, the Rams’ front office concluded that a change was necessary. On October 13, 2026, they released Harrison Mevis, ending his tenure with the club. The decision was framed as a response to the recent performance dip and the need for greater consistency on kicks.
To fill the vacancy, the Rams turned to Blake Grupe, who had been on the New York Jets practice squad.
To fill the vacancy, the Rams turned to Blake Grupe, who had been on the New York Jets practice squad. Grupe brings a career field goal percentage of 81.9 percent and an extra-point percentage of 98 percent to Los Angeles. The team hopes his track record will stabilize the kicking game for the remainder of the season.
More about the Rams releasing kicker Harrison Mevis and signing kicker Blake Grupe off the Jets practice squad, via @sarahbarshop: https://t.co/2zdWW17Ibs
The Rams have been looking to shore up their special teams after a series of inconsistent outings. By signing a kicker with Grupe’s career numbers, the organization aims to reduce the risk of missed field goals and extra points, especially in close games that could come down to a single kick.
Mike Garafolo reported the transaction, saying: "A kicker change for the Rams: They're releasing Harrison Mevis and signing Blake Grupe off the Jets' practice squad, sources tell me and @RapSheet. A move at the position after last night's overtime blocked field goal."
Rams release kicker Harrison Mevis after more issues in loss to Bills https://t.co/dQdeEANDXK
As of the signing, Blake Grupe is the Rams' placekicker, while Harrison Mevis is no longer on the roster. The team enters the stretch of the 2026 season with a new kicker, hoping his experience will bring the reliability they have been seeking.
