The Los Angeles Rams will turn to veteran kicker Brandon McManus for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, marking the third kicker to suit up for the team this season amid ongoing struggles on special teams.
McManus, 35, was signed following the release of Harrison Mevis two weeks ago and a season-ending knee injury sustained by Blake Grupe during last Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. Grupe had made his first field-goal attempt before being sidelined after a kickoff collision. The Rams also auditioned Matt Prater alongside McManus before selecting McManus, who brings 12 seasons of NFL experience.
“I’m a competitor and I love this game so much,” McManus said. Having played previously with the Broncos, Jaguars, and Packers, where he connected on 82% of his field-goal attempts (297 of 362), McManus expressed confidence in quickly adapting to the Rams’ snapper, Joe Cardona, and holder, Ethan Evans. Notably, he joked about his familiarity with new teammates, having worked with multiple punter/holders during his career.
McManus is also looking forward to performing in front of his three sons, who will now be old enough to appreciate his play on television. Physically, he stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 201 pounds, in contrast to Grupe’s 5-foot-7, 156-pound frame, potentially reducing his risk of injury when confronting kick returners; McManus counts 14 career tackles.
The Rams enter the game with a 2-4 record, deepening concerns amid a two-game losing streak and the absence of key players. Star receiver Davante Adams remains sidelined with a hamstring injury expected to keep him out for five to nine weeks, while fellow receiver Puka Nacua faces a gametime decision after suffering a calf injury in practice. Defensive lineman Kobie Turner was recently placed on injured reserve due to a groin injury, joining edge rusher Myles Garrett, who has not played since the season opener following knee surgery. Defensive tackle Poona Ford was declared out for the season with a triceps injury, and linebacker Nate Landman will miss Sunday’s game due to a concussion. Cornerback Trent McDuffie is listed as questionable.
The Rams trail division rival San Francisco 49ers, who have started 6-0 in the NFC West and hold first place. Coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford remain optimistic, pointing to past successful turnarounds despite early setbacks in recent seasons. Stafford emphasized the importance of focusing on each game rather than the broader season record.
Without Adams and potentially Nacua, the receiving corps faces a significant challenge. Stafford acknowledged the difficulty of replacing a player of Adams’ caliber, describing him as unlikely to be substituted one-for-one. McVay echoed the sentiments, framing the situation as an opportunity for other receivers, including Tutu Atwell, Konata Mumpfield, Jordan Whittington, rookie CJ Daniels, and Alex Bachman to step up. Daniels may be activated for the first time this week. Combined, Atwell, Mumpfield, and Whittington have accounted for 13 receptions so far.
Increased reliance on running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, as well as tight ends Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, and Davis Allen, is expected to help offset the depleted receiver group.
On defense, with Turner and Ford sidelined, the Rams' interior line will feature Aaron Donald, Braden Fiske, Tyler Davis, Larrell Murchison, and Ty Hamilton. Donald, who returned from retirement to rejoin the team, is averaging over 38 snaps per game. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula indicated Donald’s snap count will be carefully managed but acknowledged he might need to stay on the field longer in close games. Donald affirmed his readiness to handle extended play as necessary.
The Rams have 11 games remaining, including upcoming matchups against the Chargers, Washington, and Arizona, before their bye week. Despite the injury challenges and disappointing start, the team maintains a sense of determination. Donald stressed that while urgency is present, there is no cause for panic given the significant portion of the season still ahead.