Greg Zuerlein has been a forgotten man in recent months.
Following an impressive 2023 campaign, the New York Jets’ veteran kicker missed 6 of his first 15 field goal attempts early this season before landing on Injured Reserve. On Thursday, the Jets officially opened the 21-day activation window for Zuerlein, who has been on IR since October 30.
The move could be a precursor to Zuerlein’s return to the lineup when the Jets visit the Buffalo Bills on December 29.
On Tuesday, New York added veteran free agent Greg Joseph to the practice squad and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich revealed that the team is considering a change at kicker.
“We signed a practice squader. We obviously have Anders still on the active roster,” said Ulbrich. “We’re going to let these guys compete as the week goes on and we’ll see how it goes, put the best guy out there.”
Ulbrich also suggested that Zuerlein will have a chance to reclaim his job.
“Potentially, that’s absolutely been part of the conversation,” said Ulbrich.
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In all, the Jets have used four different kickers in games this season.
After Zuerlein was pulled, Spencer Shrader took over for one week until being claimed off the practice squad. Riley Patterson gave it a go for one game. Then, Carlson entered the equation. Over five games with the Jets, the former Green Bay Packers’ draft pick has missed two field goals and two extra points.
Zuerlein, who celebrates his 37th birthday on Friday, missed field goals in five of his eight appearances prior to going onto IR. He owns an 82.2 percent field goal success rate over his career.
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