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The Rams have mismanaged this special teams role for longer than a year

The Los Angeles Rams’ special teams unit continues to underperform, highlighted by their recent decision-making that left them without a reliable punt returner. Britain Covey, who spent last training camp with the Rams before being released, has thrived in Philadelphia, returning three punts for 59 yards—including a 41-yard gain—against the Rams last weekend.

Meanwhile, the team’s chosen returner, Xavier Smith, struggled with consistency, averaging just 9.3 yards per return in 2024 and fumbling a punt return in the NFC Championship game. Despite Smith’s volume increase to 27 returns in 2025, his production remained stagnant, while Covey’s 11.3-yard average in Philadelphia underscores the Rams’ missed opportunity.

The Rams’ preseason approach further exposed their lack of planning, as Covey, Drake Stoops, and Brennan Presley were the only players to return punts in exhibition games, leaving Smith sidelined without competition. With Covey now ranking eighth in the NFL in punt return average and the Rams’ current returner, Alex Bachman, managing just 7.5 yards per return, the team’s special teams remain a liability that could hinder their offense’s success.

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