Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay did not hesitate to make his decision after suggesting it was a possibility. The Rams have made a significant change, shifting from second-year kicker Joshua Karty to veteran Harrison Mevis.
The news certainly garnered plenty of attention ahead of the Rams’ Week 10 rematch against the San Francisco 49ers.
Just days after signing Mevis to their practice squad, he replaced Karty in the kicking game.
Rams Bench Joshua Karty for Harrison Mevis
GettyJoshua Karty #16 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts to a missed field goal against the San Francisco 49ers.
McVay met with the media ahead of Friday’s practice and announced that “Mevis will” kick for the Rams on Sunday against the 49ers.
He said there were “a lot of layers” to the decision and expressed faith in Karty’s future.
“I still do have a lot of confidence in Josh Karty. He’s not going anywhere. But based on just some of the things that we tried to evaluate throughout the course of the week, those guys both did a really good job. I was really pleased, and really impressed, and proud of how Josh handled himself this week. I think he’s got a really bright future; I think he’s done a lot of really good things for us,” McVay told reporters on November 7.
“All the things that went into it in terms of just, ultimately, in its simplest form, who do I think gives us the best chance to have successful outcomes, particularly in that operation, with the given factors, on Sunday against the Niners.”
McVay outlined the three potential outcomes: that they stick with Mevis and let Karty work to improve behind the scenes, go back to him, or maintain a week-to-week competition.
The Rams will begin with the latter, and let the players influence what comes next.
‘Thiccer Kicker’ Set to Make NFL Debut
GettyFormer Missouri placekicker Harrison Mevis going through a drill at the NFL Combine.
Mevis, who earned the nickname of the “Thiccer Kicker” due to his weight-height ratio, has never kicked in an NFL game. McVay spoke candidly about his faith in the first-year man.
The Rams will also have a new long snapper in Jake McQuaide over Alex Ward.
“I think he’s [Mevis] handled himself well. He’s kicked in a lot of big games, you go back to his career at Missouri,” McVay said. “Those guys, I expect them to do well as it relates to Jake and Mevis and their roles on Sunday against an excellent opponent.”
Mevis has spent time with the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets over the past two preseasons.
He went 4-for-5, connecting on three of his four attempts with the Jets this past summer.
Sean McVay Sends Message on Rams’ Approach
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts against the New Orleans Saints.
Karty, whom the Rams selected with the No. 209 overall pick in 2024, is 10-for-15 on field goals and 23-for-26 on extra points this season. McVay again touted his faith in McQuaide and Mevis, and how Karty and Ward have handled the situation.
However, he cited the team aspect and how one of the most discussed topics of his tenure impacts everyone else.
McVay still would not commit to either Rams kicker long-term.
“At the end of the day, you have to have the clarity and the courage to be able to make the decisions that you think are best. And this is what we think is the best way to be able to move forward. And I think our team has handled the preparation the right way. But this is something that we’re continuously trying to be able to get our hands wrapped around,” McVay said.
“What I’m not going to do is pigeonhole myself into anything that’s other than this week. And I think we always talk about being totally and completely present, taking things one day at a time, controlling what we can, and let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.”
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