Rams Make Bold Kicker Change: Harrison Mevis Gets the Call for Crucial 49ers Showdown
The Los Angeles Rams are making waves heading into one of the most critical games of their season. In a bold move announced by head coach Sean McVay, the team will start Harrison Mevis at kicker for Sunday’s pivotal Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. This decision marks a significant shift in the Rams’ special teams unit as they look to address ongoing struggles in the kicking game during a crucial NFC West division showdown.
The Rams currently sit at 6-2, leading the NFC West in what has become an incredibly tight three-team race for the division crown. With the 49ers breathing down their necks and the Seattle Seahawks lurking close behind, every game carries enormous playoff implications. This Sunday’s contest against San Francisco could very well determine the trajectory of the entire season, making the kicker change all the more significant.
The Kicker Competition That Captivated Rams Nation
Harrison Mevis, the 245-pound kicker affectionately known as “The Thiccer Kicker” during his college days at Missouri, will make his NFL regular-season debut against the 49ers. The Rams signed Mevis to their practice squad earlier this week after working him out to compete with incumbent kicker Joshua Karty, who has struggled with consistency throughout the 2025 season.
Through nine games, Karty had converted only 10 of 15 field goal attempts, posting a concerning 66.7% success rate. While he fared better on extra points, making 23 of 26 attempts, recent miscues in Week 9 including a missed extra point and a 39-yard field goal prompted the Rams’ coaching staff to explore alternatives. The special teams woes have been a constant source of frustration for a team otherwise firing on all cylinders, particularly on defense where they rank second in the NFL in points allowed per game.
Coach McVay didn’t mince words when discussing the decision-making process. “There’s a lot of layers to it,” McVay explained during Friday’s practice. “I still do have a lot of confidence in Josh Karty, he’s not going anywhere. But based on just some of the things that we tried to evaluate throughout the course of the week, those guys both did a really good job. I was really pleased and really impressed and proud of how Josh handled himself this week. Think he’s got a really bright future.”
Harrison Mevis: From Missouri Star to NFL Opportunity
Harrison Mevis brings an impressive pedigree to his first NFL opportunity. During his standout career at the University of Missouri, Mevis became one of the most reliable kickers in college football, earning All-American honors in 2021. He set the SEC record for the longest field goal and developed a reputation for delivering in high-pressure situations throughout his college career.
After going undrafted in 2024, Mevis signed with the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad before finding his way to the United Football League. Playing for the Birmingham Stallions earlier this year, Mevis showcased the accuracy and power that made him a college star. He converted an impressive 21 of 23 field goal attempts, posting a 91.3% success rate with a long of 56 yards. Notably, both of his misses came from beyond 50 yards, demonstrating consistency on makeable kicks while showing the leg strength to attempt long-distance field goals.
The physical presence that earned Mevis his memorable nickname also speaks to his unique approach to the position. At 6-0 and 245 pounds, he brings a different body type than most NFL kickers, but his college production and UFL success prove that his unconventional build hasn’t hindered his ability to perform at a high level.
The Sean McVay Decision-Making Process
Sean McVay’s handling of the kicker situation reveals the complexity of managing an NFL roster during a playoff push. The Rams’ head coach has been remarkably transparent about the challenges the team has faced in the kicking game, admitting that fixing the field goal operation is something they’re “continuously trying to be able get our hands wrapped around.”
In a telling comment, McVay revealed just how much attention this issue has demanded: “We’ve talked about this probably more than anything that I’ve ever had to talk about since I’ve been the head coach of the Rams.” That statement underscores the significance of special teams performance, particularly in close games where a single kick can determine the outcome.
The evaluation process throughout the week led McVay to conclude that Mevis gives the Rams “the best chance to have successful outcomes, particularly in that operation, with the given factors on Sunday against the Niners.” However, McVay was careful to keep all options open for the future, outlining three possible scenarios moving forward: continuing with Mevis, returning to Karty, or maintaining an ongoing competition between the two kickers.
“What I can’t predict is the future, but I do think that this is going to be the best thing for this game,” McVay stated, emphasizing his commitment to making week-to-week decisions based on what’s best for the team in each specific situation.
Special Teams Overhaul Includes Jake McQuaide’s Return
The kicker change isn’t the only special teams adjustment the Rams are making for Sunday’s crucial game. The team also announced that veteran long snapper Jake McQuaide will handle snapping duties against the 49ers. McQuaide’s addition brings experience and stability to the operation, providing Mevis with a proven professional to work with in his NFL debut.
The decision to bring in both a new kicker and a new long snapper simultaneously carries risk, as timing and chemistry in the field goal operation are crucial. However, it also demonstrates the Rams’ commitment to finding the right combination to maximize their chances of success. Special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn has faced scrutiny throughout the season for the unit’s struggles, and these moves represent a significant effort to turn things around at the most critical juncture of the season.
The Stakes: NFC West Division Race Heats Up
The timing of this kicker change couldn’t be more significant. The Rams enter Week 10 in the thick of one of the NFL’s most competitive division races. According to ESPN Analytics, the Rams hold a 37-38% chance to win the NFC West, with the 49ers at 35% and the Seahawks at 27-28%. A victory on Sunday would boost the Rams’ division win probability to 54%, while a loss would hand the 49ers a crucial head-to-head tiebreaker and potentially shift the division race dramatically.
The Rams’ 6-2 record has been built on the strength of an outstanding defense that ranks second in the NFL in points allowed, surrendering just 15.9 points per game. The offense, led by veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, has been productive as well, averaging 26.1 points per game. However, special teams inconsistency has been the one area preventing this team from reaching its full potential.
In a division race this tight, every point matters. Field position, momentum swings from special teams plays, and the ability to convert scoring opportunities into points can all determine the outcome of games decided by a single possession. The Rams understand that addressing their kicking woes now, rather than hoping the situation resolves itself, could be the difference between winning the division and watching the playoffs from home.
The Rams-49ers Rivalry Adds Extra Pressure
If making your NFL debut wasn’t pressure-packed enough, Harrison Mevis will be doing so in one of the league’s most intense rivalries. The Rams-49ers matchup has consistently been one of the NFL’s most competitive and hard-fought division battles. Rookie outside linebacker Jared Verse recently acknowledged that the rivalry with San Francisco “means a little bit more” than games against other division opponents.
The 49ers defeated the Rams earlier this season, and San Francisco has dominated recent matchups between these storied franchises. For the Rams to flip the script and establish themselves as the team to beat in the NFC West, they’ll need to find ways to win these crucial head-to-head battles. Having a reliable kicker who can convert field goals in pressure situations could prove essential in what figures to be another closely contested game.
Looking Ahead: The Rams’ Championship Window
The Rams’ aggressive approach to addressing their kicking situation reflects the urgency of their championship window. With Matthew Stafford in the latter stages of his career and a roster built to compete now, the organization understands that opportunities to win championships don’t last forever. Making bold moves to address weaknesses, even if they involve benching a rookie draft pick in favor of an undrafted free agent making his NFL debut, demonstrates the win-now mentality that has defined the Sean McVay era in Los Angeles.
For fans following the team’s journey, this moment represents both risk and opportunity. The Rams are betting that Harrison Mevis can provide the stability and consistency they’ve been seeking in the kicking game. If Mevis delivers, he could become a key contributor to a potential playoff run. If the change doesn’t produce immediate results, the Rams will need to quickly reassess and determine the best path forward.
As the Rams prepare to face their division rivals under the Sunday night lights at Levi’s Stadium, all eyes will be on the new kicker wearing number 92. Harrison Mevis has waited for this opportunity throughout his football journey, from his record-setting days at Missouri through his time in the UFL. Now, on the biggest stage, he’ll have the chance to prove he belongs in the NFL and help the Los Angeles Rams take a crucial step toward their championship aspirations.
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The Los Angeles Rams’ bold decision to turn to Harrison Mevis represents more than just a roster move. It’s a statement about the team’s commitment to excellence and their willingness to make difficult decisions in pursuit of their ultimate goal. As Sunday’s kickoff approaches, Rams fans everywhere will be hoping that “The Thiccer Kicker” can deliver when it matters most and help propel their team to victory in this crucial NFC West showdown.
