Rams K Blake Grupe Doubtful to Return After Kickoff Tackle Injury

Rams kicker Blake Grupe is doubtful to return in today's game after suffering a knee injury while making a tackle on a kickoff return, according to ProFootballTalk (NBC Sports). Grupe had just converted his first field goal with Los Angeles before the play. The Rams' coverage unit failed to contain returner Devin Duvernay, who nearly reached midfield before Grupe made the stop — and paid for it.

Blake Grupe

Grupe is doubtful to return, which in-game terms almost certainly means he's done for the day. The immediate replacement option isn't another kicker — ProFootballTalk reports that punter Ethan Evans has been practicing kicks into the net on the sideline, signaling the Rams may turn to him if they need a kicker. No corresponding roster move or emergency signing has been reported as of this writing.

For fantasy purposes, Grupe owners need to monitor this closely for the rest of the game and into the week. If the Rams are forced to use Evans or sign a street kicker, Grupe's status for upcoming weeks is uncertain until there's clarity on the knee injury. The Rams' special teams unit was already described by ProFootballTalk as "a mess" before this play — this only deepens that instability. Fade any Rams kicker this week until we know more.