The Los Angeles Rams waived wide receiver Xavier Smith on Friday, according to TheRams.com. Smith, 29, had been the team's primary punt returner through the first three weeks of this season.
TheRams.com reports that Smith also handled most punt returns all of last season and spent some time in the role during his first year with the Rams in 2024. Across 34 games, he averaged 9.4 yards on 50 punt returns. His longest returns were 38 yards in 2024, 31 in 2025 and 19 this season.
The team's site noted that Smith isn't the only one responsible for the Rams' recent special teams mistakes. It did point to one costly play last Sunday night against the Broncos. With 14:08 left in the third quarter, Smith fielded a punt at the Rams' own goal line and returned it 10 yards. Los Angeles went three-and-out from there, and Denver returned the next punt 28 yards to the Rams' 42. According to TheRams.com, that gave the Broncos their best starting field position of the game and helped swing momentum toward Denver.
Special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone spoke to reporters before Thursday's practice and said Smith "has been consistent." TheRams.com reported that Ventrone also said there had been no thought about replacing Smith as punt returner. He said he was confident Smith "would do the necessary things to be able to sustain at that position for us."
That means the Rams will have a new punt returner when they visit the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday in Week 4.