What's Happening?
The Miami Dolphins have signed kicker Riley Patterson following a successful workout, as reported by NFL.com’s Cameron Wolfe. Patterson, who has been part of six teams since July 2024, will initially join the Dolphins' practice squad with plans for promotion to the active roster. This move comes as Jason Sanders, the regular Dolphins kicker, is placed on short-term injured reserve, necessitating a temporary replacement. Patterson, 25, has been in the NFL since 2021, with notable stints at the Jaguars and Lions. His career highlight includes a game-winning field goal during a Jaguars wild-card comeback against the Chargers.
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Why It's Important?
The signing of Riley Patterson is crucial for the Dolphins as they navigate the early season without their primary kicker, Jason Sanders. Patterson's experience and reliability, demonstrated by his perfect record on extra points last season, provide the Dolphins with a dependable option during Sanders' absence. This decision impacts the team's special teams strategy and could influence game outcomes in the initial weeks. The Dolphins' ability to adapt to this change will be vital in maintaining competitive performance in the league.
What's Next?
The Dolphins plan to elevate Patterson to their 55-man gameday roster for the first three weeks of the season. After this period, the team will need to make a roster decision regarding Patterson's status. Sanders is expected to return after missing at least four games, which will require the Dolphins to reassess their kicking options and potentially adjust their roster accordingly.
