The Los Angeles Rams announced that they have signed veteran kicker Mason Crosby to their practice squad.
While head coach Sean McVay has not yet made the official announcement, it seems that the Rams are bringing in Crosby to be their kicker the rest of the season given their struggles at the position.
After watching Matt Gay sign a record-breaking contract with the Indianapolis Colts in free agency, the Rams began the year by bringing in Brett Maher to be their kicker.
Maher struggled greatly, however, only making 17-of-23 attempts in eight games, causing his release. The Rams lost some games early in the season that were very winnable had they gotten better production from their kicker.
With Maher no longer in the fold, the Rams brought in Lucas Havrisik off of the Colts’ practice squad to take over. They also worked out Crosby around that time although decided to go with Havrisik instead.
Although Havrisik hasn’t necessarily cost the Rams any games, he has struggled as well, only making 7-of-10 field goal attempts so far. He has not been released so could very well get another opportunity this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens with Crosby waiting in the wings if he struggles again.
One thing that is for sure though is that the Rams need quality production from the kicker position if they want to make a run at the playoffs. At 6-6, the Rams are firmly in the NFC playoff mix so it is good to see them be proactive by bringing in another kicker in case it is necessary to finish out the season.
Crosby spent 16 seasons with the Packers and has been in every situation imaginable for a kicker throughout his career. And after spending so long kicking in the cold and rough conditions of Green Bay, an indoor stadium might be exactly what Crosby needs to continue his career at a high level.
