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Coach Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams are 2-4 on the season having just lost Davante Adams and in the market for a new kicker after Blake Grupe’s injury. McVay said he was “confident” in Grupe before his injury, now he is looking for a replacement that gives him the same feeling heading into Week 7.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo revealed the news as McVay’s team worked out two well known names who need a new home.
“The Rams are working out veteran kickers Brandon McManus and Matt Prater tomorrow, sources say. Over three decades of NFL experience combined between the two as Sean McVay & Co. look for a replacement for the injured Blake Grupe.”
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Prater is 42 years old and last kicked with the Buffalo Bills in 2025, making 18 of 20 kicks. His long was 52 yards, showing he still has the power leg that made him well known in the NFL.
McManus is 34 years old and last kicked with the Green Bay Packers in 2025, hitting 10 of 10 kicks with a long of 56 yards.
Judging by their stats, both kickers still have plenty to offer an NFL team, particularly the Rams who are in need of a dependable leg to handle field goals and kickoffs.
The Rams are reeling from a rough offensive performance that caused Dan Orlovsky to sound off, and a shocking Week 6 loss to the Cardinals that caused McVay and Matthew Stafford to take heat for their performances.
Week 7 brings a chance at redemption on the road in Las Vegas against Klint Kubiak’s Raiders, and a chance for a new kicker to take the job by the horns and run with it. The Rams need a win in the worst way, and both guys look like a good fit for a veteran team with playoff hopes.
Related: Rams’ Blake Grupe sends powerful message after season-ending ACL injury
Related: Rams new kicker lands on IR after getting leveled on kick return in first game