Buffalo Bills Sign Veteran Kicker Matt Prater Amid Tyler Bass Injury Concerns

What's Happening?

The Buffalo Bills have signed veteran kicker Matt Prater to their practice squad, raising concerns about the health of their current kicker, Tyler Bass. Bass is dealing with pelvic area soreness, which may affect his availability for the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Prater, a seasoned NFL kicker with experience from teams like the Falcons, Broncos, and Lions, has been a free agent since his release from the Arizona Cardinals in March. The Bills had previously tried out three other kickers but did not sign any, indicating Prater's impressive performance during his tryout. Additionally, the Bills have placed defensive tackle DeWayne Carter on the season-ending injured reserve list and signed Sam Franklin, a linebacker from the Carolina Panthers, to their 53-man roster.

Why It's Important?

The signing of Matt Prater highlights the Buffalo Bills' proactive approach to addressing potential vulnerabilities in their special teams unit. Tyler Bass has been a reliable kicker for the team, and his injury could impact the Bills' scoring ability in close games. Prater's addition provides insurance and experience, ensuring the team has a capable kicker ready if Bass is unable to play. This move also reflects the team's strategic planning as they aim to maintain competitive performance in the upcoming NFL season. The placement of DeWayne Carter on injured reserve and the signing of Sam Franklin further demonstrate the team's efforts to strengthen their roster depth.

What's Next?

If Tyler Bass is unable to recover in time for the season opener, Matt Prater is expected to be elevated from the practice squad to the active roster. The Bills will continue to monitor Bass's condition closely, making adjustments as necessary to ensure they have a reliable kicker for their games. The team will also focus on integrating Sam Franklin into their special teams unit, leveraging his experience under the new special teams coach Chris Tabor. As the season progresses, the Bills will need to manage their roster effectively to address any further injuries or performance issues.