Rams brought in veteran Mason Crosby for possible 'flex' options Sean McVay says

The Los Angeles Rams could have an unconventional approach to solving kicker struggles in the coming weeks.  Recently, the Rams signed veteran Mason Crosby to the practice squad this week. The only interesting note is that Lucas Havrisik is still on the 53-man roster. Well, what could that mean? Rams head coach Sean McVay believes having Crosby […]

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Oct 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Feature image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Rams could have an unconventional approach to solving kicker struggles in the coming weeks. 

Recently, the Rams signed veteran Mason Crosby to the practice squad this week. The only interesting note is that Lucas Havrisik is still on the 53-man roster. Well, what could that mean?

Rams head coach Sean McVay believes having Crosby on the practice squad can give the team a flex option from week to week for crunch-time situations. 

“It’s kind of a unique opportunity where you still end up having Lucas, feel like he’s a guy that we want to be able to continue to work with,” McVay said. 

"To have a veteran that has his experience, some of the success, some of the crunch time moments that he’s had, and the unique opportunity to be able to bring somebody in on the practice squad and potentially flex them up. Those are things that we felt like we wanted to be able to explore."

Rams kicking struggles, Crosby is an answer

Nov 19, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams place kicker Lucas Havrisik (8) kicks a field goal in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams place kicker Lucas Havrisik (8) kicks a field goal in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at SoFi Stadium.Image via Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Havrisik has had a rough go of it in recent weeks, but the Rams aren't prepared to give up on him. 

He missed three kicks in the last two games, meaning Crosby could play a factor in some much-needed mentorship. 

McVay explained that the Rams aren't planning on cutting Havrisik soon. If the Rams plan to utilize Crosby as a "flex" between the active roster and the practice team, Los Angeles could have two kickers on the 53-man roster. 

And McVay's ode toward Crosby's experience could indicate a desire to use the veteran kicker in clutch situations. 

Crosby's track record

Jan 8, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby (2) celebrates after making a field goal during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby (2) celebrates after making a field goal during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field.Image via Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The veteran kicker hasn't played a game this NFL season, but during his 2022 run with the Green Bay Packers, he went 25-for-29. During the season, he played in all 17 games, and he looked like someone who still had some leg left in him after a lengthy career. 

Throughout the entirety of Crosby's career, he has made 97% of his extra-point attempts. He has also netted 81% of his field goals, and the ageless wonder has scored over 1,918 points. 

If the Rams utilize him as a flex option, he will have an instant impact in the kicking game. 

For context, in five games this season, Havrisik has missed three field goals and one PAT. He has been far from good.

And at 6-6, it appears that the Rams and McVay are willing to try anything to get the kicking game back on track.