The Los Angeles Rams released veteran kicker Brett Maher two days after he missed two field goals and an extra point in a 24-17 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and instead turned to second-year pro Lucas Havrisik. Havrisik, an undrafted free agent out of Arizona in 2022, has spent the majority of the previous two seasons on practice squads, first with the Indianapolis Colts and again with the Cleveland Browns.
Havrisik, 24, has never played in an NFL regular-season game, while Maher entered Week 8 tied for the league record with 17 field goals. However, Rams coach Sean McVay feels confidence in his choice, thanks in part to discussions with special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn and assistant special teams coach Jeremy Springer.
“He’s done a good job,” McVay said of Havrisik. “He did a good job on Thursday.” A lot of what we talked about that Chase and ‘Spring’ liked came to reality, and it was great to see him perform the way that he did. He’ll be prepared.”
McVay announced Friday that Havrisik, who was signed off the Browns’ practice squad in response to Maher’s release, will be the kicker amidst a flurry of workouts on Wednesday, including former Green Bay Packers standout Mason Crosby. Havrisik made 34 of 53 field goal attempts (62.4 percent) and 73 of 78 extra point attempts (93.6 percent) during his five years at Arizona. He set a program record with a 57-yard field goal as a true freshman in 2017 and will tie it again as a redshirt senior in 2021.
During the Colts’ preseason, Havrisik went two-for-two on field goals, both of which were over 40 yards, and made three of four extra points. Havrisik, who was named honorable mention All-Pac-12 in each of his final three seasons with the Wildcats, has a big leg, and McVay believes he can help Los Angeles’ special teams unit. “I do,” McVay replied. “Absolutely, yes.”
Havrisik will see his first professional action on Sunday, when the Rams travel to Dallas to face the Cowboys. The game will begin at 10 a.m. PST inside AT&T Stadium.
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