Sports · American Football · 2 hrs ago
Rams kicker Blake Grupe doubtful to return after knee injury
The Los Angeles Rams signed Blake Grupe to handle their kicking after releasing Harrison Mevis following Week 5.
Grupe made a 44-yard field goal in his debut on Sunday, then injured his knee making a kickoff tackle.
The Rams said he is doubtful to return to the game.
With Grupe sidelined, punter Ethan Evans will take over kicking duties, and receiver Jordan Whittington may handle the holds.
The change comes after kicking problems have troubled the Rams this season, including Mevis missing two field goals in an overtime loss to the Bills.
The team has not said whether Grupe will be available for its next game.
Los Angeles Rams kicker Blake Grupe injured his knee while attempting a tackle on a kickoff in his first game for the team against the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 18.
He made a 44-yard field goal in the opening quarter before getting hurt on the ensuing kickoff.
Grupe was initially listed as doubtful to return and was ruled out in the fourth quarter, according to ESPN.
Punter Ethan Evans practiced placekicking on the sideline as the Rams adjusted their kicking operation.
- Who
- Blake Grupe, kicker for the Los Angeles Rams.
- What
- He injured his knee while trying to make a tackle on a kickoff. ESPN reported he was later ruled out.
- When
- Oct. 18, 2026, during the first quarter of the game.
- Where
- Inglewood, California, during the Rams’ game against the Arizona Cardinals.
- Why
- He came down awkwardly while attempting to tackle kickoff returner Devin Duvernay.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Rams replaced Harrison Mevis with Blake Grupe, signing Grupe from the New York Jets’ practice squad.
Mevis missed a 50-yard field goal and had a 48-yard attempt blocked in the Rams’ 37-34 overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Grupe made a 44-yard field goal, then injured his knee while trying to tackle on the ensuing kickoff.
The Rams’ initial doubtful designation for Grupe was changed to out, according to ESPN.
- Field goal
- Grupe made a 44-yard kick in the opening quarter.
- Injury
- Knee injury while attempting a kickoff tackle.
- Opponent
- Arizona Cardinals
- Backup kicking option
- Punter Ethan Evans practiced placekicking on the sideline.
- Prior Rams kicker
- Harrison Mevis missed a 50-yard attempt and had a 48-yard kick blocked against the Bills.
2 sources
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Rams Injury Update: K Blake Grupe (knee) is doubtful.
New Rams kicker Blake Grupe is doubtful to return after making this tackle
Rams say kicker Blake Grupe has a knee injury and his return is doubtful. So, punter Ethan Evans will serve as kicker. I'm told by @sarahbarshop that WR Jordan Whittington has been practicing holding on the sideline.