Harrison Mevis steps into Rams kicking role after preseason breakthrough

Harrison Mevis opened the preseason with a 25‑yard field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs, giving the Rams their first points of the exhibition. Mevis, an American placekicker who played college football at Missouri, signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2024 before joining the Rams. The team promoted him to replace Joshua Karty for the Week 10 game against the San Francisco 49ers, and he has since been listed as the starting kicker heading into Week 11. His reliable leg and the “Thiccer Kicker” nickname have eased concerns about the Rams’ kicking operation, making his role a focal point early in the season. Any other questions?

Preseason opener and first points

Harrison Mevis opened the preseason with a 25-yard field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs, giving him the first points of the exhibition game. The kick came early in the contest and put the Rams ahead briefly before the Chiefs answered. Mevis had joined the Rams after being released by the Carolina Panthers, where he began his professional career as an undrafted free agent in 2024. He played college football at Missouri before turning pro. Rams coach Sean McVay praised the consistency of Mevis’s leg during the preseason, noting that he had not provided a reason for concern about the kicking operation. The former Missouri Tigers specialist now competes for the starting role and is slated to handle kicking duties in the upcoming matchup against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11. His “Thiccer Kicker” nickname reflects a confidence that he embraces.

Transition from Joshua Karty to Mevis

The Los Angeles Rams turned to Harrison Mevis as their primary kicker in Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers, officially ending Joshua Karty’s tenure with the team. Karty had been the Rams’ starter since 2022 but struggled with consistency, prompting the club to bring in Mevis after his preseason showing. The Rams had signed Mevis as an undrafted free agent following his college career at the Missouri Tigers, and he broke through with a 25‑yard field goal in the preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, the first points of the game. That performance earned him the nickname “Thiccer Kicker,” a moniker he has said he enjoys. Mevis has since taken over kicking duties and will start against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11, giving the Rams a more reliable option as they move forward.

College roots and professional debut

Harrison Mevis played college football at the University of Missouri, where he handled kicking duties for the Tigers and developed a reputation for consistency and leg strength. His collegiate work attracted the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his signing as an undrafted free agent by the Carolina Panthers in 2024. That move marked the official start of his professional career. Mevis had already made a notable preseason impression earlier that year, converting a 25-yard field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs in the opening preseason game, a detail reported by multiple outlets. The Rams signed him to compete with incumbent kicker Joshua Karty, and after Karty’s departure, Mevis secured the starting role. He is now preparing to handle kicking duties for the Rams in their upcoming matchup against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11.

Current role and upcoming matchup

Harrison Mevis has emerged as the Rams’ designated starter at kicker heading into Week 11, when they travel to face the Seattle Seahawks. The team retained him after a preseason competition that saw him supplant Joshua Karty, the former incumbent, during the game against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10. Mevis opened the preseason with a 25-yard field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs, the first points of the exhibition opener, and has since added consistency in practice and limited game action. His confidence in the “Thiccer Kicker” nickname, which he has said reflects his approach to the role, has become part of his public identity. The Rams have indicated they see no reason to alter the kicking operation, and coach Sean McVay has praised Mevis’s reliability in limited opportunities. With the Week 11 matchup approaching, Mevis is expected to handle all kicking duties for the Rams.

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