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

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