The Rams are leaning on familiar faces again as they sort through special teams uncertainty heading into Week 8.
Los Angeles elevated kicker Josh Karty and long snapper Jake McQuaide from the practice squad on Saturday before Sunday’s matchup with the Chargers at SoFi Stadium. The move gives the Rams more flexibility as they navigate injuries and shuffle pieces around the kicking game.
Joe Cardona, the team’s starting long snapper, is doubtful because of an ankle injury he suffered in last week’s win over the Raiders. Sean McVay said Friday that McQuaide would take over snapping duties if Cardona can’t go.
Karty’s return adds another layer to a kicking setup that already includes Brandon McManus, who remains the main option on field goals and extra points. Karty also gives Los Angeles another possibility on kickoffs.
“The Rams have elevated K Josh Karty and LS Jake McQuaide from the practice squad to the active roster.”
McQuaide is no stranger to the franchise. The two-time Pro Bowl selection handled long snapping for the Rams from 2011 through 2020, then came back during the 2025 season and stayed with the club through the postseason.
Karty’s path back has been a winding one. The former sixth-round pick out of Stanford in 2024 made 29 of 34 field goals as a rookie, then went 10 of 15 the next season before the Rams waived him.
The Rams have kept cycling through kickers this fall. They released Harrison Mevis, signed Blake Grupe, and then had to make another change after Grupe suffered a season-ending knee injury in his Week 6 debut.
McManus handled the kicking duties in last week’s 35-21 win over the Raiders, making all five extra points but never getting a field-goal try.
Los Angeles enters Sunday at 3-4, while the Chargers are still looking for their first win at 0-6. Both specialists are eligible to play after the elevations, with Cardona still listed as doubtful.
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