Rams new kicker lands on IR after getting leveled on kick return in first game

Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesRams new kicker lands on IR after getting leveled on kick return in first game appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Los Angeles Rams have placed kicker Blake Grupe on injured reserve after he suffered a torn ACL during the team’s 18-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6, the team announced Monday. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed the diagnosis, which will keep the 27-year-old out for the remainder of the season.Grupe joined Los Angeles last week after being signed off the New York Jets’ practice squad. The Rams brought him in to replace Harrison Mevis, who faltered in the team’s Week 5 overtime defeat against the Buffalo Bills, missing a 50-yard field goal and having a 48-yard attempt blocked.Grupe made an immediate contribution in his Los Angeles debut, converting a 44-yard field goal to give the Rams a 3-0 lead with 9:41 remaining in the first quarter. However, his first appearance with the team took an unfortunate turn on the ensuing kickoff.Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)While covering the return, Grupe attempted to tackle wide receiver Devin Duvernay, who gained 40 yards on the play. The collision left the kicker with a right knee injury. He was evaluated in the medical tent before returning to the locker room and was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the contest. After the game, he was seen using crutches and wearing a substantial knee brace.His absence also affected Los Angeles’ kicking arrangements. The Rams attempted a two-point conversion after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter but failed to convert. When the team attempted an extra point in the fourth quarter, punter Ethan Evans handled the kick successfully.The injury leaves Los Angeles searching for another kicker ahead of its Week 7 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, who enter the game with a 3-3 record. The team currently has no other kicker on its active roster, leaving punter Jack Bouwmeester on the practice squad as a possible alternative.Grupe previously played for the New Orleans Saints from 2023 through 2025 before spending five games with the Indianapolis Colts last season. During that stint, he converted all 11 field-goal attempts and all 10 extra-point attempts. His career field-goal record stands at 86 makes on 105 attempts.The Rams entered the season with championship expectations but sit at 2-4 through six weeks.Related: Rams’ Blake Grupe sends powerful message after season-ending ACL injuryRelated: Rams try out two veteran kickers after placing Blake Grupe on IR