Patriots to Work Out Multiple Kickers Amid Stephen Gostkowski's Struggles
By Sam Dunn
There have been few things as constant in the NFL over the last dozen-plus years as Stephen Gostkowski. The New England Patriots kicker started all 16 games in 12 of his 13 professional seasons entering 2019. He's made four Pro Bowls and won three Super Bowl rings. But suddenly, things aren't going so well for the 35-year-old.
Having missed four PATs in four games -- that's more than he's ever missed in a full regular season -- Gostkowski now gets to sit back and watch as his Pats audition an unspecified number of kickers Wednesday.
The Patriots are working out some free-agent kickers today, which is consistent with their due-diligence approach at all positions to keep emergency lists updated. Veteran Stephen Gostkowski has missed four P.A.T.s this year, which adds a layer of context to the kicker workouts.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 2, 2019
He's made seven of eight field goal attempts this year, his longest coming from 41 yards, but the extra point issue is a legitimate one for Gostkowski. In Week 2 against the Dolphins, New England won handily despite their longtime kicker missing two separate PATs and a field goal. That's not going to work come playoff time-- a time when the Patriots tend to be famous for skin-of-their-teeth victories.
#Patriots K Stephen Gostkowski just missed another PAT, his 4th this season.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) September 29, 2019
According to Mike Reiss' report, it's not known as of this time just whom the Pats are working out today. Of course, the best-case scenario is that Gostkowski gets over the yips (or whatever it is that's dragging him down) and sorts himself out. Having a gigantic special teams question mark hanging over him is the last thing Bill Belichick could want as the year rolls on.