Special Teams

I will be combining all of the facets of the Rams special teams together (kicker, punter, kick returner, etc.).

Grade: B+

The Rams special teams unit has been littered with injuries since the season began.

Pharoh Cooper and Mike Thomas, their kick returners, were both injured in Week 1. Both are expected to be out for an extended period of time.

JoJo Natson was signed to take on the returning duties, replacing Cooper. He was injured in Week 3, forcing the Rams to send Kupp back to return punts.

It’s possible Natson returns this week, which would allow the Rams to remove a key WR from taking punts.

The Rams reliable kicker, Greg Zuerlein, also suffered an injury early in the year. Zuerlein is close to returning according to McVay.

The Rams signed Sam Ficken to replace him, but have already cut him as he failed to make a 28 yard field goal last week.

They have recently signed Cairo Santos to fill in for a short time, as Zuerlein nears his return.

As for punter, what more can be said about Johnny Hekker? The guy is a legend.

Hekker is punting very well still, averaging 48.4 yards per punt (sixth in NFL). The good thing is, he has only had to punt just seven times in four games.