Blake Grupe’s Los Angeles Rams debut lasted barely more than a quarter Sunday before he suffered a knee injury attempting a tackle on a kickoff. The former Notre Dame kicker had just nailed a 44-yard field goal when he lowered his shoulder to hit Ravens returner Devin Duvernay, landing awkwardly and forcing him out of the game.
The Rams confirmed Grupe would not return after initially listing him as doubtful. With their kicking situation already in flux following the release of Harrison Mevis after Week 5, Los Angeles now faces another setback. Punter Ethan Evans took over kicking duties, while receiver Jordan Whittington, who had been practicing holds on the sideline, was expected to serve as holder.
Despite this upheaval, the Rams did not attempt any field goals after Grupe’s injury. Matthew Stafford connected with Blake Corum on a 15-yard touchdown in the second quarter, followed by a failed two-point conversion attempt. Later, the Rams went for it on a fourth-and-1 at the Arizona 27 but turned the ball over on downs.
Grupe’s NFL journey began as an undrafted free agent in 2023, signing initially with the New Orleans Saints. He remained with the Saints until midway through the 2025 season before brief stints with the Colts and Jets led him to Los Angeles. Prior to Sunday, Grupe had converted 81.9 percent of his career field goals, making 86 out of 105 attempts, and converted 98 percent of extra points, going 96 of 98.
The Rams’ kicking problems have been a recurring issue this season. Harrison Mevis’s poor performance in Monday’s overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills — missing two field goals, including a blocked potential game-winner — prompted the team to cut him and bring in Grupe. Now, with Grupe sidelined, the kicking predicament deepens.
The injury leaves the Rams in an untested position for the remainder of the game and potentially beyond. As of now, the team has not announced any further roster moves to address the kicking vacancy.
According to CBS.
