Patriots Reportedly Working Out Multiple Kickers After Stephen Gostkowski Hits Injured Reserve
By Michael Luciano
The New England Patriots were dealt a blow when kicker Stephen Gostkowski, who had been drilling field goals for them since 2006, was lost for the season with a hip injury.
Bill Belichick already has some replacements lined up, as veteran kickers Mike Nugent and Kai Forbath are reportedly auditioning to replace Gostkowski.
Two kickers vying for Patriots’ job are Kai Forbath and Mike Nugent, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 2, 2019
Nugent, 37, was a former second-round pick of the New York Jets, and is familiar with kicking in Foxborough, which could give him an advantage.
Both of these kickers were in the league last year. Nugent went 6-6 on field goals and 4-5 on extra points for the Oakland Raiders before they settled on Daniel Carlson, while Forbath went 4-5 on field goals and 3-3 on extra points for the Jacksonville Jaguars in relief of an injured Josh Lambo.
Per @AdamSchefter, the Patriots kicking competition is down to Kai Forbath and Mike Nugent.
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) October 2, 2019
Both kickers played in three games last year. If anything, they have experience. pic.twitter.com/grGX56uzWl
Neither Nugent nor Forbath are on Gostkowski's level, but both are experienced, serviceable NFL kickers that can step in and fill the void this season.