After special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone said the Rams had no conversations about moving off Xavier Smith as their punt returner, the team reversed their decision on Thursday night by waiving Smith on Friday amid their last-second preparations for their contest against the Philadelphia Eagles.
According to head coach Sean McVay, the Rams will use Alex Bachman as their punt returner on Sunday. Kyren Williams can also be used if needed. However, the team hopes to keep Williams off the field on special teams. Williams replaced Smith in the NFC Championship Game as the punt returner following his muffs.
Alex Bachman will be the Rams’ punt returner on Sunday against the Eagles, replacing Xavier Smith. Sean McVay said that Kyren Williams is also
an option but they don’t want to use their starting running back there if they can avoid it.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) October 2, 2026
Bachman is 30 years old and has played in 22 games since 2021, 19 of which were for the Las Vegas Raiders in the last two seasons.
Over that time, he's recorded five receptions for 43 yards. As a returner, Bachman had 22 punt returns last season for 124 yards. He also had nine fair catches. Bachman hasn't had a kick return in an NFL regular-season game since the new rules were enacted, with his last kickoff return occurring in 2021.
Bachman signed with the Rams on August 18 and has been on the practice squad since he was released as part of final roster cuts.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Sean McVay names new punt returner after Rams waive Xavier Smith
