The Los Angeles Rams added long snapper Jake McQuaide to their practice squad on Wednesday, a move that confused many, as the team has an excellent snapper in Joe Cardona. We now have the reason behind the addition.
The Athletic's Nate Atkins reports that Sean McVay said Cardona has an ankle injury that will force him to miss Wednesday's practice. McQuaide is a trusted insurance policy.
Rams LS Joe Cardona has an ankle injury and won’t practice today, which is why they signed Jake McQuaide to the practice squad.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) October 28, 2026
McQuaide played on the Rams from 2011-2020, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2016 and 2017. A critical specialist during Sean McVay's first few years as head coach, McQuaide helped the team make three playoff appearances, winning two division
titles and one NFC Championship. He featured for the team in their Super Bowl LIII defeat.
McQuaide then played for the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, and Pittsburgh Steelers, either on an active roster or practice squad.
He would then re-sign with the Rams in the middle of the 2025 season, replacing Alex Ward at long snapper. He remained the starter for the rest of the season, featuring in their three playoff games, as well.
McQuaide, in his 2025 return, expressed happiness, as the Rams were his second family during his first stint with the team. He's played in 206 games, recording 11 tackles.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams signed LS Jake McQuaide because Joe Cardona is injured
