What is the story about?
What's Happening?
The Buffalo Bills have signed veteran NFL kicker Matt Prater to their practice squad, raising concerns about the health of their current kicker, Tyler Bass. Bass has been dealing with pelvic area soreness and was absent from practice on Thursday, suggesting he may not be available for the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Prater, a seasoned kicker with 18 years of NFL experience, was brought in for a tryout and subsequently signed after being released by the Arizona Cardinals in March. Throughout his career, Prater has played for teams such as the Falcons, Broncos, and Lions, achieving an 83.6% success rate on field goals and 97.3% on extra points. In addition to Prater's signing, the Bills have placed defensive tackle DeWayne Carter on the season-ending injured reserve list and added Sam Franklin to the 53-man roster. Franklin, previously with the Carolina Panthers, is expected to contribute significantly to the Bills' special teams.
Why It's Important?
The signing of Matt Prater is significant as it highlights the Buffalo Bills' proactive approach to addressing potential vulnerabilities in their roster, particularly at the kicker position. With Tyler Bass's availability in question, having a reliable and experienced kicker like Prater could be crucial for the team's performance in the upcoming games. This move also underscores the importance of special teams in the NFL, where a dependable kicker can often be the difference in close matches. For the Bills, ensuring stability in this area is vital as they aim to start the season strong against a formidable opponent like the Ravens. Additionally, the inclusion of Sam Franklin, a player familiar with the Bills' special teams coach, suggests a strategic effort to bolster their special teams unit.
What's Next?
If Tyler Bass is unable to play, Matt Prater is expected to be elevated from the practice squad to take on kicking duties in the season opener. The Bills will likely continue to monitor Bass's condition closely, making adjustments as necessary to ensure they have a reliable kicker on the field. Meanwhile, Sam Franklin's role on special teams will be closely watched as he integrates into the team's strategies. The Bills' management will need to remain vigilant in managing player health and roster dynamics as the season progresses.
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