WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – Wide receiver Xavier Smith's primary role during the 2025 season has been as a punt returner.
On Sunday, however, the Rams' 48-man game-day roster decisions put him into the offensive game plan as well, and he responded with a team-high 82 receiving yards on three catches – both career-highs – in a 31-28 Los Angeles loss to the Carolina Panthers.
"It meant a lot," Smith said Monday. "Just want to create that spark for the team, and just try to get us going, keep us on the same path that we've been going since we've been on this winning streak. Just want to do my role and do it at a high level."
Smith's longest catch of the day went for 51 yards and helped set up running back Blake Corum's two-yard touchdown run that helped the Rams regain the lead 21-17 going into halftime. His 27-yard reception late in the first quarter also sustained the drive that ended with a seven-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford to wide receiver Davante Adams.
Head coach Sean McVay noted that 27-yard catch was the first play after Stafford's first interception, and a credit Stafford's response and also a "great job" by Smith of making the play. McVay said Stafford recognized the five-man rush and the Panthers' defense playing it deep to short to set up that catch-and-run opportunity for Smith.
On the 51-yard reception, McVay praised the way Smith tracked the ball and also credited Stafford for recognizing the top shell of the Panthers' defense losing its integrity. Smith credited the attention drawn by Adams and wide receiver Puka Nacua for creating the opening that made the throw possible.
"I thank both of those guys for grabbing that attention to allow me to be open down the field," Smith said.
Smith has seen an uptick in snaps as wide receiver Tutu Atwell has worked his way back from a hamstring injury, and, in the case of Sunday, when Atwell was not yet activated off of Injured Reserve the first week of his 21-day practice window being opened. Sunday's game in Charlotte marked the third time in Smith's last five games he played more than 38% of Los Angeles' offensive snaps.
"Just understanding the offense as a whole," Smith said, when asked what he's improved on since entering the NFL in 2023. "Making that jump from college to the NFL, where it's a different game, the speed is a little different. A lot of times, people always say the NFL is 90% mental, so just increasing my knowledge of the game, and just becoming more comfortable within the offense as a whole."
This isn't the first time Smith has put explosive playmaking in the pass game on tape this season, having also corralled a 36-yard reception against the Texans in Week 1. Whether it's been in that phase or on special teams, Smith has made the most of his opportunities.
"He did a great job, and that's what he's done," McVay said. "Whether it's as a returner, whether it's as a gunner, when he's gotten his opportunities as a receiver, he's just consistently delivered."
