In his first career NFL regular season game, former Florida A&M wide receiver Xavier Smith delivered a big play in crunch time for the Los Angeles Rams.
Trailing 24-14 with 11:57 remaining in the fourth quarter in their week three game against the San Francisco 49ers, the Rams scored 10 unanswered points to tie the game in the final 1:51 in regulation.
On the ensuing defensive possession, the Rams’ defense got the 49ers’ offense off the field on third down, forcing them to punt with 1:02 seconds left.
Xavier Smith with a huge punt return for the Rams!
📺: #SFvsLAR on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/aVta5VToOa— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024
Smith, back to receive the punt on his first career NFL touch, fielded the punt at the Rams’ 12-yard line.
Initially turning left, Smith cut back right to the sideline, returning it 38 yards to midfield with 55 seconds remaining. This, along with a pass interference penalty, put the Rams in position to kick and make a 37-yard field goal to win the game.
The Florida A&M alum was signed by the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2023, being waived during the mandatory roster cuts and signed to the practice squad.
Wait until the end. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/OLXj191vhM
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 23, 2024
With the Rams decimated by injury to star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nakua, Smith was activated from the practice squad Saturday afternoon, making him available for this game.