{
  "id": 14374387,
  "title": "Rams replace Harrison Mevis with Blake Grupe as McVay addresses special teams failures",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/rams-replace-harrison-mevis-with-blake-grupe-as-mcvay-addresses",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-14T04:59:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rams-replace-harrison-mevis-blake-045907778.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Los Angeles Rams made a significant roster change on Tuesday, releasing kicker Harrison Mevis and signing Blake Grupe following a blocked field goal that denied them victory against the Buffalo Bills in Monday Night Football. Coach Sean McVay acknowledged that while Mevis had stabilized the position last season, the team required more consistent production. McVay defended his postgame criticism of the special teams unit, emphasizing that the loss was not solely due to a single player's performance and that the responsibility lay with the entire team. Grupe's extensive experience, demonstrated by his 11-for-11 field goal and 10-for-10 extra point accuracy during his tenure with Indianapolis, made him the preferred candidate. The Rams opted for an immediate switch rather than a competition, similar to how they handled Joshua Karty and Mevis last season. McVay also addressed his decision-making process before the blocked kick, acknowledging the pain of hindsight but expressing confidence in the kicking operation and the indoor conditions. The loss dropped the Rams to a 2-3 record, prompting a reassessment of their special teams operation, which includes issues with kickoff coverage, field goal protection, and penalties such as false starts. McVay expressed confidence in special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, stating that no changes would be made there. The personnel change will not extend to the special teams coordinator. McVay also discussed the absence of offensive lineman Alaric Jackson, who was suspended for two games, and mentioned his expectation that Jackson would appeal the suspension. David Quessenberry will assume Jackson's role temporarily. Penalties, including four false starts, remain a concern for McVay, who emphasized the need for players to demonstrate consistent performance. Despite the outcome, McVay recognized the strong defensive performance of the Rams, which included two takeaways, and praised quarterback Matthew Stafford for his efforts. The Rams' challenge moving forward is to transform an encouraging effort into a complete performance, turning a valiant effort into sustained success.",
  "summary": "WOODLAND HILLS, Calif.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "It's official: Rams LT Alaric Jackson suspended two games",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/its-official-rams-lt-alaric-jackson-suspended-two-games",
        "published": "2026-10-13T23:30:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}