Rams sign K Ficken to replace injured Zuerlein

The Los Angeles Rams signed kicker Sam Ficken on Monday afternoon, one day after All-Pro kicker Greg Zuerlein was injured in warmups before Sunday's game against the Cardinals. The Rams didn't miss a beat against the beleaguered Cardinals, going for two points after their first three touchdowns and succeeding each time en route to a 34-0 rout of Arizona. Running back Todd Gurley carried in from the 2-yard line on the first two attempts and Jared Goff passed to Malcom Brown after the Rams third score. Punter Johnny Hekker kicked the point after that made it 34-0. Head coach Sean McVay said Sunday's success might lead him to consider going for two more often in the future. "We always talk about being an aggressive team, that's kind of our overall philosophy in terms of what we want to present," McVay said. "I think those guys -- when they end up executing the way that they did in those situations, it certainly gives you a belief and a confidence that this is something that you might explore doing more times than not, for sure." McVay was asked if he has an array of plays ready for those situations or if he'll need to come up with more. "Yeah, I think, really, it depends on what the defense is presenting," McVay said. "It really goes back to, 'Okay, what are some of your core plays from that two-yard line.'" With Zuerlein expected to be out a few weeks with a groin injury according to McVay, Los Angeles the Rams turned to Ficken, who played in two regular-season games for the Rams last season. He made 2 of 3 field goal attempts and 4 of 5 extra point tried. He also kicked two field goals and an extra point in a playoff loss to Atlanta. Ficken was with the Rams through the offseason program and preseason but did not make the 53-man roster. "It's good that he's kind of been through some experience with us -- playing in games that are very, very important, which we know this next one is," McVay said. "Got a lot of confidence in him and Greg will get back hopefully sooner than later and we'll embrace that when that time comes." Zuerlein went to the Pro Bowl after last season when he led the NFL in points scored (158). Los Angeles placed wide receiver Mike Thomas on injured reserve to make room for Ficken. The 2-0 Rams host the Chargers on Sunday. --QB Jared Goff completed 24 of 32 passes for 354 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Cardinals. It was his sixth-career 300-yard game. --RB Todd Gurley ran for three touchdowns and added a pair of two-point conversions in Sunday's win over the Cardinals. He finished with 42 yards on 19 carries. --K Greg Zuerlein suffered a groin injury in warm-ups before Sunday's game against the Cardinals and is expected to be out a few weeks. --K Sam Ficken was signed by the Rams on Monday. Ficken played in two regular-season games for the Rams last season. He made 2 of 3 field goal attempts and 4 of 5 extra point tried. He also kicked two field goals and an extra point in a playoff loss to Atlanta. --WR Mike Thomas (groin) was placed on injured reserve.