Rams shake up kicking game, lose starting tackle | NFC West roundup

No NFC West team played on Tuesday, but the Los Angeles Rams still drove the news cycle with a suspension on the offensive line and a shakeup at kicker in the wake of their overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Rams react to OT loss with suspension and kicking change

Per Pro Football Rumors, the NFL has suspended Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson for two games without pay. He reportedly punched Bills outside linebacker Bradley Chubb after Buffalo’s win over Los Angeles on Monday night. The decision sidelines a key starter in pass protection for an offense already searching for consistency.

Also according to Pro Football Rumors, the Rams have released kicker Harrison Mevis and are signing Blake Grupe off the New York Jets’ practice squad. The move comes after what the outlet describes as a special teams meltdown in Week 5. CBS Sports notes that Mevis had made just 55.6% of his field goal attempts this season, worst in the NFL, a factor in the 37-34 overtime defeat to Buffalo that was also highlighted by La Presse. At 2-3, the Rams are trying to stay in range of the 5-0 49ers and 3-2 Seahawks in a tight NFC West.

Cardinals weighing a move to rookie QB Carson Beck

In Arizona, the focus is squarely on the quarterback position. CBS Sports examines when the Arizona Cardinals (1-4) should replace veteran Jacoby Brissett with rookie Carson Beck, framing it as a question of timing for a team in transition. The analysis centers on when to hand the offense to the young passer and balance long-term development against short-term stability.

49ers linked to Jauan Jennings trade chatter

For the undefeated San Francisco 49ers, at 5-0, an old friend is back in the rumor mill. Pro Football Rumors reports that Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings is expected to draw trade interest after two productive seasons with San Francisco in 2024 and 2025. CBS Sports looks at potential landing spots for Jennings and suggests that a reunion with the 49ers would be an ideal fit, though there is no indication any deal is close.

CBS Sports also continues to use the 49ers as a benchmark when sorting out Super Bowl contenders, treating San Francisco and the Chiefs as the top tier while exploring which teams from the next group could realistically lift the Lombardi Trophy.

Seahawks heavily favored in Week 6 picks

The Seattle Seahawks, sitting at 3-2, stayed quiet on the transaction front but drew plenty of confidence from national pickers. Two separate CBS Sports prediction columns have Seattle beating the Denver Broncos on Thursday night, with one writer even forecasting a blowout. The onus is now on the Seahawks to match that optimism on the field.