What's Happening?
Riley Patterson, the kicker for the Miami Dolphins, successfully made his only field goal attempt during the team's 27-24 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Patterson also completed all three of his extra-point attempts. This performance continues his perfect record for the season, having made all five of his field goal attempts and all 12 extra-point attempts over five games. The Dolphins' regular kicker, Jason Sanders, is currently on injured reserve due to a hip injury, but he is eligible to return, leaving Patterson's future role uncertain.
Why It's Important?
Patterson's consistent performance is crucial for the Dolphins as they navigate the season without their regular kicker, Jason Sanders. His reliability in scoring could influence the team's decision on whether to retain him as the primary kicker or revert to Sanders upon his return. This situation highlights the importance of depth in team rosters, particularly in specialized positions like kicking, where consistency can significantly impact game outcomes.
What's Next?
The Dolphins will need to decide whether to continue with Patterson as their kicker or reinstate Sanders once he is fit to play. This decision will likely depend on Sanders' recovery progress and Patterson's continued performance. The team's management will weigh the benefits of Patterson's current form against Sanders' experience and past contributions.
