Yahoo Sports NFL on Xavier Smith

Rams waive Xavier Smith after critical special teams mistakes and poor return averages.

Rams waived receiver/returner Xavier Smith after he served as the team's primary punt returner for the last two seasons. Smith made critical mistakes including fielding a punt deep in L.A. territory that looked like it would be a touchback in the third quarter of last week's loss to Denver. He averaged 9.9 yards per punt return and 20.6 yards per kick return over the first three weeks of the season. The move came despite Rams special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone telling reporters earlier in the week that the team was not considering making a change at punt returner.

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