Blake Grupe, the Rams’ freshly signed kicker, is already headed to injured reserve after just one game in uniform, a brutal blow that just makes their 2-4 start even worse. This team was supposed to be a clear Super Bowl contender coming into the 2026 season. Now? They just lost to the Arizona Cardinals at home, and their special teams nightmare is spiraling even further out of control.
One Kick, One Tackle, One Injury
The Rams’ kicking unit has been a mess all season, ever since they cut Harrison Mevis. They brought in Grupe hoping he’d finally be the answer, but his debut was just a microcosm of their entire season’s struggle. He actually drilled a 44-yard field goal on his very first try for the team, giving L.A. a glimmer of hope. But then, on the ensuing kick return, Grupe went in for a tackle, got knocked hard to the ground, and now, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, he’s on IR with a knee injury. Can you believe it? The guy plays one game, makes a kick, tries to be a hero on special teams, and boom, he’s out for at least four weeks.
Punter to the Rescue, But For How Long?
This injury couldn’t have come at a worse time, or really, in a worse way. With Grupe sidelined mid-game, the Rams were left without a kicker against the Cardinals. They had to rely on punter Ethan Evans to step up, and he actually came through, making a go-ahead point-after-try late in the game. It’s wild to think about: if Grupe hadn’t gotten hurt, the Rams might have actually pulled out that Week 6 win and found the kicker they’ve been desperately searching for. Instead, it’s just another twist of the knife in what’s becoming an endless struggle for Sean McVay and his squad.
McVay Back to Square One
So, here we go again. Sean McVay now has to dive back into the kicker market, searching for help on special teams for what feels like the hundredth time this season. The team is 2-4 and staring down the barrel of a comeback season if they want to even sniff contention, and their special teams unit just keeps taking brutal blows. This Grupe news isn’t just another setback; it’s another harsh push in the downward spiral of a unit that can’t seem to catch a break. What’s next for this team? Another tryout carousel, that’s what. McVay needs to find someone, and fast, before this kicking problem sinks their season entirely.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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