NFL3 hours ago2 minute read

Rams Kicker Blake Grupe Suffers Knee Injury in Debut

Blake Grupe left his Rams debut early with a knee injury on Sunday, leaving Los Angeles thin at kicker.

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A Short Day for the New Kicker

Blake Grupe did not get to enjoy his first game with the Los Angeles Rams for long. The kicker exited Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals during the opening quarter and did not return.

Grupe started his day on a positive note by converting a 44 yard field goal. Trouble followed immediately on the next play. While attempting to make a tackle on the kickoff, he hurt a knee. He had to walk off the field with help from the Rams medical staff. The team initially labeled him as doubtful to return before ruling him completely out in the fourth quarter. The Rams did not announce which knee was injured.

Scrambling on Special Teams

The sudden loss left Los Angeles without their primary kicker for extra points and field goals. Punter Ethan Evans was seen practicing place kicks along the sideline to stay ready if called upon.

The Rams opted not to try another field goal during the first half. When they scored a touchdown in the second quarter, they decided to go for two points instead of risking a kick with an emergency option. That attempt failed. Los Angeles is now 0 for 2 on two point tries since the start of last season. They are the only team across the league without a successful two point conversion in that span.

How Grupe Got the Job

Grupe only joined the team recently after being signed off the New York Jets practice squad. The Rams made the switch at kicker following a tough outing by Harrison Mevis.

Mevis struggled during a 37-34 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday night. In that defeat, Mevis missed a 50 yard field goal attempt in the first quarter. He later had a 48 yard kick blocked in overtime that would have been the winner. Those misses prompted the team to bring in Grupe. Now, the kicking room faces fresh questions after just one quarter of action.

What it means for the next game

Los Angeles Rams at Las Vegas Raiders (NFL, Sun, 25 Oct): Las Vegas Raiders win 29%, Los Angeles Rams win 71%; projected score Las Vegas Raiders 21, Los Angeles Rams 27. Our safest pick: Rams to win.