After Maher’s cut, Rams are “absolutely” confident in their new kicker

The Los Angeles Rams decided to split ways with veteran kicker Brett Maher, just two days after he missed two field goals and an extra point in a 24-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Instead, they went with second-year pro Lucas Havrisik.

Havrisik, who went undrafted out of Arizona in 2022, has primarily played on practice squads for the last two seasons—last season with the Indianapolis Colts and this season with the Cleveland Browns.

Havrisik, 24, has never played in an NFL regular season game; on entry into Week 8, Maher shared the league lead with 17 field goals completed.

However, after speaking with assistant special teams coach Jeremy Springer and special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn, Rams coach Sean McVay is still convinced he made the proper choice.

Regarding Havrisik, McVay stated, “He’s done a good job.” “He performed admirably on Thursday. It was nice to watch Chase perform the way he did since many of the things we discussed that he and “Spring” loved kind of came to pass. He’ll be prepared to leave.

Havrisik, who was cut from the Browns practice squad in response to Maher’s release, will kick off during a flurry of workouts on Wednesday, including one with Mason Crosby, a former Green Bay Packers mainstay, McVay confirmed on Friday.

Havrisik made 34 of 53 field goals (62.4%) and 73 of 78 extra point attempts (93.6%) during his five years at Arizona. As a true freshman in 2017, he made a program-record 57-yard field goal, and as a redshirt senior in 2021, he once again tied the record.

He made three of four extra point attempts for the Colts during this past preseason while going two for two on field goals, all more than forty yards.

He also has a big leg, and McVay is certain he will help Los Angeles’ special teams unit. He was named an honorable mention All-Pac-12 selection in each of his last seasons with the Wildcats.

“I do,” McVay said. “Absolutely, yes.”

Havrisik will get his first opportunity to play professionally on Sunday when the Rams travel to Dallas to play the Cowboys. The game will begin inside AT&T Stadium at 10 a.m. PST.