Stephen Gostkowski to Miss Rest of 2019 Season Following Hip Surgery
By Michael Luciano
New England Patriots fans will have to get used to seeing a different kicker for the first time in 13 years, as Stephen Gostkowski was placed on injured reserve following an up-and-down start to the season.
And he won't be returning.
It was later revealed that Gostkowski will miss the rest of the 2019 season following season-ending surgery on his left hip, which could go some way towards explaining why he struggled to start this season.
Patriots’ kicker Stephen Gostkowski has a left hip injury that will require season-ending surgery, per source. He is expected to be ready to kick for the 2020 season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 2, 2019
Gostkowski is a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro, so watching him miss five kicks in four games, including four extra points, was extremely surprising. He has been just about the only negative in the Patriots' 4-0 start.
New England has wasted no time trying to find a replacement, as they have already invited a parade of free agent kickers to Foxborough.
Patriots working out kickers on Wednesday https://t.co/oGhUcgv9Ku
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 2, 2019
Gostkowksi has been a pillar of New England's success in recent years, so they can't rely on any Joe Random they bring in off the street to replicate his clutch factor and accuracy, especially in windy and cold weather in the winter.