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Rams Could Turn to Jake McQuaide at Long Snapper for Week 8

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Rams Could Turn to Jake McQuaide at Long Snapper for Week 8

The Los Angeles Rams could turn to veteran Rams long snapper Jake McQuaide against the Chargers on Nov. 1 after Alex Cardona missed consecutive practices.

McQuaide would become the sixth specialist to take a snap for Los Angeles this season if activated. Turf Show Times reported that McQuaide could replace Cardona for the Week 8 matchup.

Key Takeaways

  • Cardona missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, creating the possibility of another long-snapper change for Los Angeles.
  • McQuaide finished the 2025 season as the Rams’ long snapper after replacing Alex Ward.
  • Joshua Karty’s activation for the 48-player game-day roster depends partly on injuries elsewhere and his possible kickoff role.

Rams Long Snapper Decision Could Bring Back Jake McQuaide

Turf Show Times reported that McQuaide could return to the Rams’ long-snapping role after Cardona missed consecutive practices. The report identified Wednesday and Thursday as the practices Cardona missed before the Chargers matchup.

McQuaide played for Los Angeles from 2011 through 2020 and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2016 and 2017. Turf Show Times also reported that he finished the 2025 season as the Rams’ long snapper after replacing Alex Ward.

McQuaide’s subsequent NFL stops included the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers, according to the same coverage. If activated, he would return to the organization after spending a decade with Los Angeles earlier in his career.

Cardona, Ethan Evans, Harrison Mevis, Blake Grupe and Brandon McManus are the other specialists identified as having taken snaps for Los Angeles this season. McQuaide would be the sixth specialist to take a snap for the Rams in 2025 if he replaces Cardona, according to the Week 8 personnel coverage.

Six Specialists Highlight the Rams Special Teams Turnover

The Rams’ special-teams personnel listed in the Week 8 coverage includes long snapper Cardona, punter Ethan Evans and kickers Mevis, Grupe and McManus. McQuaide’s potential activation would add another long snapper to that group.

RamblinFan criticized the Rams’ broader approach to special-teams personnel decisions and compared the repeated changes to replacing automobile parts without addressing the underlying problem. The commentary called for a more consistent solution instead of continuing to cycle through specialists.

McQuaide’s previous Rams tenure is part of the personnel history surrounding the possible move. Turf Show Times reported that he played for Los Angeles through the 2020 season before later appearing for six other NFL organizations.

Joshua Karty’s Role Adds Another Special Teams Decision

Rams.com reported that Joshua Karty’s possible activation for the 48-player game-day roster depends partly on injuries elsewhere. The outlet also reported that the Rams were evaluating whether Karty could contribute on kickoffs.

Sean McVay was asked Wednesday whether Karty would handle kickoffs and said the team would “work through those things and kind of just see how the week goes.” McVay said the team would work through Karty’s kickoff role during the week.

Rams.com reported that Karty’s field-goal percentage declined from 85.3% as a rookie to 66.7% through eight games in his second season. Los Angeles replaced Karty with Harrison Mevis after Week 9 of the previous season.

Karty said he was “dealing with a little hip thing” during training camp and believed he “probably should have just rested for a bit in fall camp.” His comments identified the hip issue and his view that additional rest would have been appropriate.

Rams Week 8 Roster Decisions Extend Beyond Specialists

Rams.com reported that wide receiver Davante Adams and tight end Terrance Ferguson were already unavailable in the reported roster context. The outlet also reported that Whittington’s availability could affect the Rams’ special-teams plans and roster flexibility.

Rams.com reported that Dylan McMahon received extensive work at center during the week because of the team’s approach with Coleman. The outlet reported that McVay said McMahon had done a great job that week.

Rams.com reported that McVay said McMahon had received considerable work and handled the opportunity well. McVay also credited offensive line coach Ryan Wendell with maintaining a useful rotation of players, particularly at center.

Sports Yahoo reported that the Rams defeated the Raiders 35-21 in Week 7. Kyren Williams and Blake Corum combined for 192 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Matthew Stafford threw three touchdown passes.

Sports Yahoo reported that 47 of 52 listed analysts picked the Rams to defeat the Chargers. The Week 8 matchup is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 1, with kickoff set for 4:05 p.m. ET on Fox.