New York Jets: Announced the Starting Kicker for Week 9

The 2-6 New York Jets host the 6-2 Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium for their ninth regular season game and the eighth Thursday Night Football matchup on Prime Video. After losing five straight, the Jets hope to add to the win column and stay alive in the AFC Playoff Picture. The team also hopes to solve their kicking woes since their struggling Pro Bowl and All-Pro kicker will miss at least the next four weeks.

The New York Jets placed their kicker on IR

Greg Zuerlein surprisingly popped up on Tuesday’s injury report with a knee injury to his non-kicking leg after not appearing on Monday’s injury report, which caught the team off guard. As a result, the Jets placed Zuerlein on injured reserve. He will miss at least the next four games, and the earliest he can return is Week 14 since BYEs don’t count because they are not considered a game. He also isn’t guaranteed a roster spot once he’s healthy.

Also Read: New York Jets: Suddenly Placed Struggling Special Teamer on Injured Reserve Ahead of Week 9

The Jets held an open kicking competition between six kickers on Tuesday. The competition continued and they would sign two to the practice squad on Wednesday.

The New York Jets signed two kickers

The Jets signed Spencer Shrader to the practice squad. Shrader played college football for the USF Bulls and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and signed with the Indianapolis Colts after going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. Although he didn’t make the 53-man roster, he suited up in the season opener since Matt Gay didn’t play.

The Jets also signed Riley Patterson to the practice squad as well. Patterson bounced around with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Washington Commanders during training camp. Unfortunately, he lost both competitions, and the Jaguars and Commanders released him.

Since the Jets needed a kicker for today’s game, they continued to have competition until the team announced the winner. They have made a decision.

Who kicks for the New York Jets today?

Riley Patterson beat out Spencer Shrader for the starting kicker job. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Jets elevated Patterson for today’s game against the Houston Texans. He will make his season debut.

Kicker Riley Patterson is expected to be elevated from the practice squad and make his #Jets debut tonight vs. Houston. https://t.co/t4aI0iMEPn

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 31, 2024

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