Rams Retained Xavier Smith Despite Return Struggles
The Los Angeles Rams are keeping Xavier Smith as their primary returner despite recent criticism from coaching staff.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Football
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The Los Angeles Rams have retained Xavier Smith as their punt and kickoff returner following recent concerns regarding his consistency. Special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone cited a specific need for better decision-making after the team's narrow loss to Denver.
Why it matters
The Rams seek to improve field position management and eliminate errors that could swing future close contests. Coaches are emphasizing that better ball tracking and judgment are essential for maintaining a competitive edge during the season.
Xavier Smith has recorded 69 yards on seven punt returns and 144 yards on seven kickoff returns this season. He currently ranks 24th among 30 qualifying punt returners and 37th among 40 qualifying kick returners.
The players
Xavier Smith
He is the primary punt and kickoff returner for the Los Angeles Rams.
Bubba Ventrone
He serves as the special teams coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.
Los Angeles Rams
The team is a professional football franchise currently holding a 1-2 record through three weeks.
Denver Broncos
They are a professional football team that defeated the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3.
Philadelphia Eagles
They are the upcoming opponent for the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4.
The details
Ventrone publicly criticized Smith for his recent performance, specifically noting a decision to field a punt at the goal line during a 30-26 loss to the Denver Broncos. Despite the critique and his low league ranking, the team has kept him in the return role.
Timeline
The Rams tendered Smith as an exclusive rights free agent in March 2026.
The Rams lost 30-26 to the Denver Broncos in Week 3 of the 2026 season.
Special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone described Smith as inconsistent on October 1, 2026.
The Los Angeles Rams are scheduled to play the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4 of the 2026 season.
The Big Picture
This decision follows the precedent set by the 2026 exclusive rights free agent tender process, which formalized the team's commitment to the player. The organization must now balance contractual stability with the immediate need for improved special teams efficiency.
Smith currently ranks near the bottom of qualifying returners, which may limit the starting field position for the Rams offense in future games. A failure to improve could eventually lead to changes in the return rotation if the 1-2 team continues to struggle in close matchups.
The takeaway
Reliable field position management is a critical factor for teams struggling to secure wins in one-score games. Coaches often prioritize consistency over raw athletic potential when evaluating players for high-stakes special teams roles.
What happens next
The Los Angeles Rams are set to face the Philadelphia Eagles in their upcoming Week 4 game.
Further reading
For more on the roster and game updates, visit Los Angeles Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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