What's Happening?
The Buffalo Bills have signed veteran kicker Matt Prater to their active roster following his impressive performance in a recent game against the Baltimore Ravens. Prater, who was initially signed to the practice squad, was elevated to the active roster due to Tyler Bass being placed on Injured Reserve. During the game, Prater successfully kicked field goals at both the halftime and regulation buzzers, contributing to the Bills' narrow 41-40 victory. At 41 years old, Prater became the oldest player to appear in a regular season game for the Bills. This marks his 19th season in the NFL, having previously played for teams such as the Falcons, Broncos, Lions, and Cardinals.
Why It's Important?
Prater's signing is significant for the Bills as it provides them with a reliable and experienced kicker during a critical time. His performance against the Ravens demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure, which could be crucial for the Bills in future games. The decision to keep Prater on the active roster also raises questions about the team's kicking strategy once Tyler Bass returns from injury. This move highlights the importance of having depth and experience in key positions, especially in a competitive league like the NFL.
What's Next?
The Bills are set to face the New York Jets in their next game, and Prater is expected to continue as the team's kicker. The team will need to decide on their long-term kicking strategy once Tyler Bass is fit to return. The performance of Prater in upcoming games could influence this decision, as well as the overall dynamics of the team's special teams unit.