After scoring his second career touchdown and stepping in as the Rams' returner in a tough spot, safety Blake Countess has been named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
When inside linebacker Cory Littleton blocked a Chargers' punt in the second quarter of Sunday's victory over the Chargers, Countess was right behind Littleton to fall on the loose ball in the end zone for a touchdown. It was Countess' second special teams touchdown of his career, after returning a blocked punt for a touchdown in 2017 against the Eagles.
Later in the contest, Countess filled in for returner JoJo Natson after the specialist had suffered a broken hand. Countess — who had not returned a kick in a regular-season game since his senior season at Auburn — took back a pair of kickoffs, averaging 25.5 yards per return.
Countess is expected to continue as the Rams' temporary kick returner this week against the Vikings on Thursday Night Football.
Countess is Los Angeles' second NFC Special Teams Player of the Week in 2018. Kicker Greg Zuerlein earned the honor after his Week 1 performance, when he kicked four field goals and three extra points through the uprights in Oakland.
