Ready for return

Zuerlein confirmed after Friday's practice that he'll be ready to kick Sunday at San Francisco, Myles Simmons of the Rams' official site reports.

Analysis: The Rams released Cairo Santos on Tuesday, so it came as a bit of a surprise when Zuerlein sounded hesitant Wednesday when he was asked about his chances of returning from the groin injury in Week 7. He's apparently feeling more confident after logging full practice participation throughout the week, setting up a return to his usual status as one of the top fantasy options at kicker.

Logs back-to-back full practices

Zuerlein turned in back-to-back full practices Wednesday and Thursday, Rich Hammond of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Analysis: It's been an interesting few days for Zuerlein. On Tuesday, his replacement the previous two games (Cairo Santos) was released, paving the way for Zuerlein to return. Coach Sean McVay proceeded to clear him Wednesday, only for Zuerlein himself to tell Myles Simmons of the Rams' official site that he wants to get through the week without a setback before he'll be confident in his right leg. However, McVay told Hammond on Thursday that Zuerlein is "fine" and "kicking," putting to rest whether…read more

Taking cautious approach

Zuerlein (groin) said Wednesday that he still needs to make it through the week of practice and see how he feels before confirming his availability for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Myles Simmons of the Rams' official site reports.

Analysis: The Rams left no doubt about their expectation of Zuerlein returning in Week 7 when they released Cairo Santos on Tuesday. Coach Sean McVay then said Zuerlein has been cleared for Sunday's game at San Francisco, but the kicker sounded a bit more hesitant when talking with the media after Wednesday's walk-through practice. A successful practice Thursday would ease any lingering concerns.

Cleared to return Sunday

Coach Sean McVay said Zuerlein (groin) has been cleared to return for Sunday's game at San Francisco, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

Analysis: The announcement was forecast by Tuesday's release of Cairo Santos, who kicked for the Rams in place of Zuerlein the past two weeks. With his four-game absence behind him, Zuerlein will look to build upon his sole performance of the season Week 1, when he hit four of five field-goal attempts and all three extra-point tries in a win over the Raiders.

Likely returning Sunday

Zuerlein (groin) likely will return Sunday at San Francisco after Cairo Santos was released Tuesday, Myles Simmons of the Rams' official site reports.

Analysis: On Monday, coach Sean McVay relayed "there's a chance" Zuerlein (groin) would be able to return from a four-game absence this weekend, according to Simmons. Santos' release all but confirms Zuerlein will be back in action. As the kicker on the league's third-highest scoring offense, Zuerlein is a must-own, no matter the format.

Approaching return to action

Coach Sean McVay believes "there's a chance" Zuerlein (groin) returns for Sunday's contest at San Francisco, Myles Simmons of the Rams' official site reports.

Analysis: Zuerlein has been tending to a groin injury since pregame warmups before a Week 2 matchup with the Cardinals. In the meantime, the Rams have cycled through a pair of kickers, the latter of whom (Cairo Santos) has wrapped up the Rams' scoring with veritable game-winning field goals in back-to-back games. The Rams could continue to roll with Santos until Zuerlein is 100 percent.

Won't return Week 6

Zuerlein (groin) was officially ruled out of Sunday's game against the Broncos, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

Analysis: Zuerlein progressed to limited practice participation Thursday and Friday but was unsurprisingly ruled out as coach Sean McVay indicated earlier in the week he was still a week away from returning. Cairo Santos will serve as the Rams' kicker with a nice matchup in the altitude at Denver.

Puts in limited practice

Zuerlein (groin) was listed as a limited participant at Thursday's practice, Rich Hammond of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Analysis: Zuerlein had been labeled a non-participant at Wednesday's practice, with coach Sean McVay stating the same day that the kicker is probably another week away from playing. While McVay's comment likely still holds true, Zuerlein's advancement to limited participation tentatively keeps a sliver of hope alive for him to return to action Sunday against the Broncos. If Zuerlein is forced to miss a fourth straight contest with the groin injury, Cairo Santos would serve as the Rams' kicker.

Unlikely to return for Week 6

Coach Sean McVay said Wednesday that Zuerlein (groin) is probably another week away from returning, Myles Simmons of the Rams' official site reports.

Analysis: With Zuerlein seemingly headed for a fourth consecutive absence, Cairo Santos is in line to kick for the Rams in Sunday's game at Denver. It would have been a nice spot for Zuerlein to return, as he would benefit from the altitude as well as a matchup with a struggling team. The Rams have another nice draw in Week 7 against the injury-riddled 49ers, but the schedule then gets tough with matchups against the Packers, Saints, Seahawks and Chiefs in Weeks 8 through 11, followed by a bye in Week 12.

Could be back for Week 6

Zuerlein (groin) may return for a Week 6 game in Denver, Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis: The Rams had originally been hoping to get their kicker back for Week 5, but he ended up missing a fourth consecutive game. Given his strong track record along with the impressive state of the Rams offense, Zuerlein will be an elite option at his position whenever he's able to play again.

Will miss one more week

Zuerlein (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game in Seattle, Rich Hammond of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Analysis: Coach Sean McVay said Monday that Zuerlein could return from a two-game absence and play in Week 5, but after re-evaluating the matter, the team decided the prudent move was to hold the kicker out for a another contest. Sam Ficken was released earlier this week after performing ineffectively in Zuerlein's stead, so kicking duties will now fall to Cairo Santos in Week 5. The Rams signed the former Chiefs and Bears kicker on Tuesday.

Could return Week 5

Coach Sean McVay said Zuerlein (groin) may return Week 5 at Seattle, Rich Hammond of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Analysis: Zuerlein seems to be progressing a bit faster than expected, though he's far from a lock to make it back. Given his status as an elite kicking option in the fantasy world, it's a situation worth monitoring Wednesday when the Rams release their first injury report of the week.

Out 'at least a few weeks'

Rams head coach Sean McVay said Monday that Zuerlien (groin) would be out "at least a few weeks," Rich Hammond of The Orange County Register reports.

Analysis: Zuerlein injured his groin during pregame warmups ahead of Sunday's victory over the Cardinals, forcing punter Johnny Hekker into an emergency placekicking role. Hekker hit his only try from 20 yards out, but he won't be tasked with kicking responsibilities any longer after the Rams signed Sam Ficken on Monday. Zuerlein, who was a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro selection last season, will avoid injured reserve for the time being and will presumably resume his regular kicking duties once his…read more

Not expected to go on IR

Zuerlein (groin) is not expected to be placed on injured reserve at this point, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Analysis: The Rams could ultimately decide to place Zuerlein on injured reserve at some point if his health does not improve, but the early indication is that his setback is not a long-term injury. The Rams do have at least mild concern about Zuerlein's setback though, as the team is expected to re-sign fellow kicker Sam Ficken at some point this week.

Could miss some time

Coach Sean McVay said he isn't sure how much time Zuerlein (groin) will miss, Rich Hammond of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Analysis: McVay suggested the Rams may sign another kicker, hinting that Zuerlein is in danger of missing at least one game. The team turned to punter Johnny Hekker for a chip-shot field goal and a PAT after Zuerlein suffered the groin injury during Sunday's 34-0 win over the Cardinals.

Won't return to game

Zuerlein (groin) won't return to Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: In Zuerlein's absence, punter Johnny Hekker took over the team's kicking duties Sunday. Look for the Rams, as well as a couple of other NFL teams that dealt with kicker issues in Week 2, to look into free agents in the coming days. Available options include, Kai Forbath, Dan Bailey, Cairo Santos, Roberto Aguayo and former Raider Giorgio Tavecchio.

Suffers groin injury

Zuerlein suffered a groin injury during Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: With Zuerlein hurting and questionable to return to the game, punter Johnny Hekker figures to be the team's emergency kicker.

Hits four field goals in Week 1

Zuerlein connected on four of five field-goal attempts and converted all three extra-point tries during Monday's 33-13 win over the Raiders.

Analysis: Zuerlein was on pace for historic numbers before a herniated disc cut his 2017 campaign short, so it's encouraging to see him open 2018 with a big game. Additionally, his setup could be even better this year. The Los Angeles defense projects to tilt field position in the Rams' favor a lot, and head coach Sean McVay is willing to attempt long field goals. For what it's worth, the 46-yard attempt he missed Monday was off the infield dirt at the Oakland Coliseum.

Connects on two of three attempts Saturday

Zuerlein connected on two of three field-goal attempts and made his lone PAT in Saturday's 19-15 preseason win over the Raiders.

Analysis: Zuerlein missed wide-right from 48 yards out late in the first quarter, but he rebounded with second-quarter makes of 42 and 28 yards. With last December's back surgery completely behind him, Zuerlein looks poised to assume kicking duties for one of the league's most explosive offenses. Sam Ficken worked the second half and converted a pair of short field goals, but he's little more than an insurance option.

Full-go at training camp

Zuerlein (back) has been a full participant during training camp, Myles Simmons of TheRams.com reports.

Analysis: Zuerlein, who was a limited participant during the Rams' mandatory minicamp earlier this summer, has returned to full strength after landing on the IR at the end of last season due to a back injury. He made all six of his field-goal attempts during Monday's practice, and potential fantasy owners shouldn't have any concerns with his health at this point.

Zuerlein (back) was a limited participant in June's mandatory minicamp, Myles Simmons of the Rams' official site reports.

Analysis: Zuerlein, who underwent surgery last December to remove part of a disc in his back, never participated in team drills throughout the entire offseason program. However, Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times recently indicated that the kicker hasn't had any complications in his rehab, and it might not be long until he's back in action. "As soon as I had the surgery done, I could walk like normal," Zuerlein said after June's organized team activities. "The relief was instant, so I was pleased with…read more

Rams coach Sean McVay said Zuerlein is making good progress in his recovery from December back surgery, Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis: McVay doesn't expect to have a detailed update until the beginning of OTAs, but he presumably still expects Zuerlein to be ready for the start of the season, as relayed back in February. An elite kicker in both fantasy and real-life terms last year, Zuerlein connected on 38 of 40 field-goal attempts in 14 games, going 12-for-12 from 40-49 yards and six of seven from 50-plus.

Head coach Sean McVay recently told ESPN LA 710 that he expects Zuerlein (back) to be ready for the start of the upcoming season. "Based on the doctors and everything, and even the way Greg was feeling as soon as he alleviated that pressure with the surgery, we're very positive in terms of Greg being ready to go," McVay said.

Analysis: Zuerlein played through some sort of back injury last season but was shut down after 14 games and underwent surgery in mid-December. The NFL's highest-scoring player in 2018 was forced to miss the Pro Bowl as a result and seems likely to be sidelined for a significant portion of the offseason program as well.

Zuerlein is scheduled to undergo back surgery Thursday, Vincent Bonsignore of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Analysis: The Rams didn't reveal their hand until Wednesday evening, placing Zuerlein on injured reserve and signing kicker Sam Ficken in a corresponding move. Shortly thereafter, head coach Sean McVay said Zuerlein has been dealing with a back injury all season, per Bonsignore, and it finally flared up Saturday night when he "slept on it funny." Zuerlein gutted it out Sunday in Seattle, striking true on both field goal attempts and four of five extra-point tries. However, the pain has been too much in…read more

Placed on IR with back injury

Zuerlein has been placed on injured reserve due to a back injury, with the Rams signing Sam Ficken as a replacement, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Despite a pair of uncharacteristic misses on extra-point attempts in December, the 29-year-old Zuerlein has enjoyed one of the best season by a kicker in NFL history. He's converted 38 of 40 field-goal attempts, including six of seven from 50-plus yards and 12 of 12 in the 40-49 range. Zuerlein even had a shot to break the single-season record of 44 field goals, set by David Akers for the 49ers in 2011. Ficken has never kicked in an NFL regular-season game and figures to be a significant…read more

Zuerlein made field goals from 36 and 31 yards in Sunday's 42-7 win over the Seahawks, but missed one of his five extra-point tries.

Analysis: Zuerlein's two missed PATs this season have occurred over the past three games, giving him something to fine tune as he prepares for the playoffs. Despite those miscues, his 158 total points still comfortably lead the league.

Zuerlein did not attempt a field goal but made all five of his extra-point tries in Sunday's 43-35 loss to the Eagles.

Analysis: Zuerlein's five points gave him just his fifth single-digit performance of the campaign. Although the Rams have a tough matchup in Seattle this Sunday, Zuerlein's league-leading point tally suggests he's due for a rebound.

Zuerlein connected for four field goals (56, 20, 24 and 41 yards) and made both his point-after attempts during Sunday's 32-16 win over Arizona.

Analysis: Zuerlein has now kicked multiple field goals in 10 of 12 games and is up to 36 for the campaign. The league record of 44 is held by David Akers, who accomplished the feat for San Francisco in 2011, and that mark is now in serious jeopardy. Zuerlein is obviously locked in as a high-end fantasy asset while chasing a historic season.

Zuerlein converted four of five field-goal attempts and both of his extra-point tries en route to 14 points in Sunday's 26-20 win over the Saints.

Analysis: Zuerlein's only miss came from 63 yards as the first half expired. Following last week's one-point outing, the league's leading scorer certainly bounced back well.

Zuerlein did not attempt a field goal but made his lone extra-point try in Sunday's 24-7 loss to the Vikings.

Analysis: Zuerlein entered Sunday having tallied 15 points in three straight games, but a stingy Vikings defense restricted him to just one scoring opportunity. Still the league's scoring leader, Zuerlein will hope he's called on more often in this Sunday's game versus the Saints.

Zuerlein converted all four of his field-goal attempts and all three of his extra-point tries en route to 15 points in Sunday's 33-7 win over the Texans.

Analysis: Zuerlein continues to be an outstanding fantasy asset, as he's now tallied 15 points in three straight games. The league's leading scorer, Zuerlein boasts 23 more points than the next closest kicker.