After a decorated run at Stanford, where he was a two-time All-American, kicker Joshua Karty joined the Rams as a sixth-round pick in 2024. Karty went on to enjoy a productive rookie season in Los Angeles, but the 23-year-old is now in the midst of a disappointing sophomore campaign. His job is in jeopardy as a result.
The Rams added Harrison Mevis, undrafted out of Missouri in 2024, to their practice squad on Wednesday. Head coach Sean McVay has since revealed that Mevis and Karty will compete for the position ahead of a crucial matchup with the NFC West rival 49ers on Sunday (via Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News).
The Rams’ kicking woes helped lead to a 26-23 overtime loss to the 49ers in the teams’ first matchup in Week 5. Karty missed one of his two field-goal attempts in that game, and the 49ers blocked one of his three extra-point tries.
While the Rams have since won three in a row to climb to 6-2, Karty’s struggles have continued. He missed his lone field-goal attempt and one of five extra points in a 34-10 blowout over the Saints last Sunday.
The Rams’ kicking operation has accounted for eight misses or blocks, the most in the NFL. A blocked field goal against the Eagles cost the Rams a buzzer-beating road win in Week 3. Overall, Karty has converted just 10 of 15 field goals – his 66.7% success rate ranks last in the league – and 23 of 26 extra points.
The Rams coasted against the Saints, but McVay was frustrated with their kicking issues after the game, saying: “It’s going to cost us — it’s cost us already. It’s been a momentum killer. It does take the air out of our sails” (via Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk).
Although McVay added that “this is not sustainable to continuously go where we want to go,” he went on to express confidence in Karty. Now, however, Karty will have to fend off Mevis to remain the Rams’ starter.
Mevis, a 5-foot-11, 243-pounder who’s also known as “Thiccer Kicker,” previously spent time with the Panthers and Jets. He doesn’t carry any regular-season experience in the NFL, however. Mevis impressed last year as a member of the UFL’s Birmingham Stallions, cashing in on 21 of 23 field goals (including playoffs).
While the Rams could have a new kicker this Sunday, a change at long snapper appears likely. Alex Ward has held the role since 2023, but McVay said he expects Jake McQuaide to take over in San Francisco. McQuaide is a 14-year veteran whose career began with the St. Louis Rams in 2011. He stuck with the organization through 2020 and made a pair of Pro Bowls during that span. After seeing action with four other teams since then, McQuaide reunited with the Rams on a practice squad deal on Tuesday.