The Los Angeles Rams made the surprising decision this week to sign veteran long snapper Jake McQuaide to their practice squad. McQuaide and the Rams have a great relationship, and McQuaide joins Aaron Donald as the only two active players with franchise who played during their time in St. Louis.
Head coach Sean McVay stated the reason for the addition was due to current long snapper Joe Cardona picking up an ankle injury. The Athletic's Nate Atkins reported on Friday that Cardona is doubtful for the game, putting McQuaide in position to be one of the Rams' two potential practice squad activations.
Rams CB Trent McDuffie, C Coleman Shelton, TE Colby Parkinson and WR Jordan Whittington are questionable for Sunday’s game against the Chargers. LS
Joe Cardona is doubtful. (Whittington’s back tightened up after yesterday’s practice.) They’re hopeful on McDuffie.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) October 30, 2026
Cardona did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. If McQuaide does play, he will be the sixth specialist to take a snap for Los Angeles this season, joining Cardona, Ethan Evans, Harrison Mevis, Blake Grupe, and Brandon McManus.
McQuaide was the Rams' long-snapper to end the 2025 season, replacing Alex Ward. He was excellent, helping the team reach the NFC Championship Game. He also played for the Rams from 2011 to 2020, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2016 and 2017.
McQuaide also played for the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, and Pittsburgh Steelers, either as a member of the active roster or the practice squad.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams’ special teams unit gets more bad news with long snapper doubtful
