The decision was announced on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, less than 24 hours after Mevis missed a crucial field goal and had another attempt blocked in the Rams’ defeat. The errors proved costly as Buffalo capitalised on the opportunity to secure a memorable victory.
According to NFL.com, head coach Sean McVay confirmed Mevis’ release and the signing of Grupe from the New York Jets’ practice squad.
Missed kicks prove costly against Buffalo
Mevis endured a difficult night against the Bills, missing a 50-yard field-goal attempt during the first quarter that could have helped the Rams establish an early lead.
His most significant setback came in overtime, when a 48-yard field-goal attempt that could have won the game for Los Angeles was blocked by Buffalo defensive end Greg Rousseau.
The Rams subsequently watched Bills kicker Tyler Bass convert a 45-yard field goal to complete Buffalo’s 37–34 victory.
The defeat left Los Angeles with a 2–3 record, while the kicking errors intensified scrutiny of the team’s special-teams performance.
McVay expresses frustration
McVay did not hide his disappointment after the game, criticising the team’s kicking unit during his post-match press conference.
“The kicking game, especially with our PAT, field goal, not even close to good enough. It cost us the game tonight,” the Rams head coach said.
Although Mevis converted all 14 of his extra-point attempts this season, he made only five of nine field-goal attempts, including the two costly misses against Buffalo.
McVay also confirmed that special-teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone would remain in his position, with the organisation choosing to make a change at kicker.
Grupe arrives to replace Mevis
The Rams have turned to Blake Grupe, 27, who joined the New York Jets’ practice squad after previously playing for the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts.
Grupe has converted 86 of 105 field-goal attempts, an 81.9 per cent success rate, and 96 of 98 extra-point attempts across 50 NFL games.
Los Angeles will hope the new signing can provide greater consistency as the team continues its campaign.
Mevis, 24, joined the Rams last season after the team moved on from Joshua Karty. He enjoyed a productive 2025 season, converting 18 of 19 field-goal attempts across the regular season and playoffs, but his struggles in 2026 ultimately cost him his place.
Rams seek a response after painful defeat
The release highlights the pressure on NFL kickers to deliver in decisive moments, particularly when a missed attempt can determine the outcome of a closely contested game.
For the Rams, attention now shifts to improving their special-teams execution and recovering from the overtime loss. Grupe will have the opportunity to establish himself as the team’s new kicker, while Mevis faces the challenge of finding another opportunity in the league.