The Los Angeles Rams are officially bringing back kicker Joshua Karty, signing him to their practice squad on Wednesday. This reunion, nearly a year after they said goodbye to him mid-2025 season, could be the key to solving a massive special teams problem for the Rams. While we don’t know the exact reason for the move yet, if Karty gets activated, his unique skill set is exactly what this struggling unit needs.
The Rams’ Kick Coverage Is a Disaster
Let’s be real, the Rams’ kick coverage unit has been nothing short of horrific. Seriously, it’s been so bad that the team would be better off just kicking the ball through the end zone every time for a touchback, which would set the opponent up at the 35-yard line. That’s how desperate things are. Letting opponents return kicks has been a bigger disaster than just giving them the ball at the 35. It shows you just how much they need something, anything, to change.
The Knuckleball Kicks That Could Save Everything
So, why Karty? It all comes down to his “dirty kickoff.” Remember those knuckleball kicks from the first three weeks of 2025? They were so effective at messing with the return team’s operation that Rams opponents ended up with the worst starting field position in the entire league! These squib-like kicks bounce in such an unpredictable way that returners have to hesitate, trying to figure out where the ball is going instead of anticipating its path. That single second of hesitation is exactly what the coverage team needs to get around blockers and tackle the ball carrier.
Now, the Rams did remove Karty from their active roster last season because he was consistently missing field goals and point-after attempts. It’s been theorized that his practice with the “dirty kickoff” technique might have impacted his ability to make those field goals. But if he’s fixed that issue, or if the Rams are actually willing to use two roster spots for kickers, Karty’s knuckleballs are the obvious solution to their coverage woes.
Karty could be the player who saves the Rams’ special teams unit. We’ll have to see if he gets activated from the practice squad, but if he does, watch for those unpredictable kicks. The Rams desperately need him to make a difference right now.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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