Overview
- The Rams elevated kicker Joshua Karty and veteran long snapper Jake McQuaide from the practice squad on Saturday for their Week 8 game against the Chargers.
- The team plans to carry two kickers on game day with Brandon McManus handling field goals and Karty expected to be used primarily on kickoffs.
- McQuaide is likely to start at long snapper because Joe Cardona is listed as doubtful with an ankle injury.
- Karty’s knuckleball-style kickoffs have been credited with far better opponent starting field position in prior work, a contrast that motivated the specialists' activation.
- The move trades a valuable roster slot to buy field-position upside and covers an injury shortfall, but it does not address the underlying coverage breakdowns that have plagued the Rams’ special teams all season.