Patriots Place Kicker Stephen Gostkowski On IR
By Michael Luciano
It appears that the reasoning behind the New England Patriots working out a bunch of kickers this week has been made abundently clear.
The Pats placed struggling veteran kicker Stephen Gostkowski on injured reserve, potentially ending his 2019 season, especially with so many other intriguing options designated to return.
BREAKING: #Patriots are placing Stephen Gostkowski on injured reserve, per league source. Story upcoming on https://t.co/BIqlcKzPKK
— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) October 2, 2019
Drafted in the fourth round, 118th overall, in the 2006 draft out of Memphis, Gostkowski has been automatic for the entirety of the decade. Gostkowski, who owns the record for most consecutive extra points made, has drilled 87.4% of his field goals as a Patriot, making the Pro Bowl four times, the All-Pro team three times, and first-team All-Pro twice. Along the way, he has picked up three championship rings.
This season hasn't been as rosy for Gostkowski, as he has missed five kicks in four games, including four extra points. New England has wasted no time in trying to find a successor.
The Patriots are reportedly working out kickers today. https://t.co/4ZDlAMlbO8
— 98.5 The Sports Hub (@985TheSportsHub) October 2, 2019
Bill Belichick is the type of guy who will cut ties with you after one poor stretch, so it's not unreasonable to assume we've seen the last of Gostkowski in New England, especially with some sort of a lingering injury hindering his usual reliability.