Sean McVay: Xavier Smith Will Be Rams’ Full-Time Punt Returner

The Los Angeles Rams earned their first win of the 2024 season with an improbable 27-24 comeback victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3.

The Rams found themselves trailing by 14 points in the third quarter, but contributions on offense, defense and special teams helped them erase that deficit.

After tying the game at 24, the Rams defense got a key stop to give the offense a chance to win in regulation. With only 56 seconds remaining in the game, Xavier Smith returned a punt for 38 yards that gave Matthew Stafford the ball at midfield.

The Rams quickly moved into field goal range, which set the stage for rookie kicker Joshua Karty connecting from 37 yards to seal the victory.

Smith’s big moment did not go unnoticed and he will continue returning punts for the Rams going forward. “He’ll continue to be the punt returner if that’s what you’re asking,” head coach Sean McVay told reporters.

“He did a good job. He had two ‘ops’ [opportunities] yesterday, one fair catch and then one big return that’s obviously well-documented. He’s really put a lot of work in. It’s a cool reflection of the work paying off, him continuing to just stay steady, and then being able to have the opportunity to deliver in an important moment for the team. He will be the punt returner moving forward. Happy for ‘X’.”

Smith originally signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He was among the team’s final roster cuts this season, but re-signed to the practice squad.

With the Rams down so many wide receivers at the moment, Smith was signed to the active roster on Sept. 21.

Cooper Kupp ruled out for Rams’ Week 4 matchup against Bears

As the Rams look ahead to their Week 4 matchup against the Chicago Bears, McVay confirmed that the team will once again be without Cooper Kupp. “As far as Cooper, he’s attacking every single day. Not going to be available for this week, if that’s what you’re asking,” he said to reporters.

Kupp sustained a high ankle sprain in the Rams’ matchup against the Arizona Cardinals and is considered week-to-week after the team elected not to place him on injured reserve.

Kupp’s injury is nothing short of disappointing as he finally appeared to be fully back after appearing in only 21 games over the past two seasons. However, it is encouraging that he has continued to make progress in his recovery and hopefully will return to the Rams sooner rather than later.

Kupp hauled in 18 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown in two games before his ankle injury.