The Los Angeles Rams will need a new kicker after Blake Grupe suffered a leg injury during the team’s Week 6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Subsequently, the Rams placed Grupe on Injured Reserve on Monday afternoon. Grupe was injured while attempting a tackle in the second quarter, and his condition after the game suggested the injury could keep him sidelined for an extended period.
Grupe was seen in the locker room after
the game on crutches and wearing a leg brace, raising immediate concerns about his availability moving forward. The Rams’ special teams unit has already struggled with consistency this season, making the loss of their kicker another potential complication as Los Angeles looks to get its season back on track.
The injury occurred on a tackle attempt on a 2nd quarter kickoff. While the full extent of Grupe’s injury has not been detailed here, being placed on Injured Reserve means the Rams will need another option at kicker for the foreseeable future, at least for the next four weeks if not longer.
Los Angeles will now have to evaluate its available options ahead of Week 7. Whether the team turns to a free-agent kicker or brings in another player, finding a reliable replacement will be critical to avoiding further special teams issues.
With the Rams already coming off a disappointing 18-16 defeat to Arizona, Grupe’s injury adds another concern to a team searching for answers. The kicking position will be one to watch as Los Angeles prepares for its next matchup and attempts to stabilize a unit that cannot afford more setbacks.
