The Los Angeles Rams have re-signed kicker Josh Karty to their practice squad, adding another chapter to their tumultuous season at the position. This move comes after the team cycled through Harrison Mevis, Blake Grupe, and Brandon McManus in recent weeks, highlighting a significant special teams headache.
Karty, who previously handled kicking duties for the Rams, believes he is a different player this time around. He revealed that a previously undisclosed hip issue significantly impacted his performance during his prior stint with the team. "I think last year I was dealing with a little hip thing that I probably should have just rested for a bit," Karty said. "But I was a young guy, and I just didn’t do that." Now healthy, Karty expressed confidence in his improved abilities, stating, "I’m just healthier, and I think I’m a better kicker than I was at this time last year."
A key factor in Karty's return appears to be his distinctive knuckleball kickoff technique, a soccer-inspired method he believes could bolster the Rams' struggling kickoff coverage. "I imagine the kickoffs were a large factor in the decision," Karty noted, describing the technique as an attempt to "pretend it’s like a free kick in soccer and knuckle that thing over the wall."
Head coach Sean McVay acknowledged that special teams performance, particularly kickoffs, has been a point of concern. "It’s not good enough and we cannot allow ourselves to do that. It’s one of those deals that’s driving me crazy. We have to figure it out and we haven’t yet," McVay stated. The Rams' kickoff coverage has repeatedly yielded favorable field position for opponents, a problem McVay is determined to fix.
The unconventional situation might even lead to the Rams carrying two kickers on their active roster for an upcoming game, potentially allowing McManus to focus on field goals while Karty handles kickoffs. This strategy could leverage Karty's knuckleball kickoff to create difficult returns and improve coverage.
Beyond kickoffs, Karty aims to prove his consistency and accuracy on field goals, potentially offering the Rams an option for longer kicks. He is ready to embrace whatever role is assigned to him as the team continues its search for a reliable kicker.