Rams will have 2 kickers vs. Chargers after promoting Joshua Karty - Rams Wire
The Los Angeles Rams made a surprising decision on Saturday, using their practice squad activations to call up two specialists before their contest against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
The Rams have used their activations for special teams in the past, usually for players who operate on the coverage/return teams. This time, the franchise is calling up kicker Joshua Karty and long snapper Jake McQuaide for the contest.
Both players were on the team last season before being added to the practice squad this week. Karty, who was waived after missing multiple field goals and extra-point attempts, has a "knuckleball" kickoff that some in the media have pointed to as a potential solution for the team's coverage issues. The Rams still have Brandon McManus on their roster, so it's not clear what Karty's role will be.
McQuaide rejoined the Rams in the middle of last season after spending his first several years with the franchise from 2011-2020. Earning Pro Bowl honors in 2016 and 2017, the Rams called on McQuaide to replace Alex Ward last season, staying with the team until their loss in the NFC Championship Game.
Current long snapper Joe Cardona is doubtful due to an ankle injury; thus, McQuaide is likely to get the start. While he has yet to work with McManus or Karty, he has an established relationship with punter/holder Ethan Evans.
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