THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Rams will sign kicker Sam Ficken, the team announced on Monday.
Pro Bowl kicker Greg Zuerlein suffered a groin injury during pregame warm-ups Sunday and was not available to kick in a 34-0 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Punter Johnny Hekker handled kickoffs and kicked a 20-yard field goal and an extra point.
It is unknown how long Zuerlein, who made 4 of 5 field goal attempts in Week 1, is expected to be sidelined. He led the NFL in points scored last season (158), averaging 11 per game.
The Rams first signed Ficken last December after Zuerlein underwent season-ending back surgery following a Week 15 victory. Ficken kicked in two regular-season games and made 2 of 3 field-goal attempts. He also kicked two field goals in a playoff loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Ficken remained with the Rams through the offseason program and preseason but did not make the 53-man roster.
To make room for Ficken, the Rams placed backup receiver Mike Thomas on injured reserve.