The Bills received a scare when veteran kicker Matt Prater sustained a quad injury in their Week 18 win over the Jets. But as Buffalo shifts its sights to Sunday’s AFC Wild Card matchup (1 p.m. ET) against the Jaguars, head coach Sean McDermott offered an encouraging update on the two-time Pro Bowler.
“He’s more day to day, which is a good sign, but we’re still going to, more than likely, bring some kickers in tomorrow (Tuesday) for a workout,” McDermott said, via the team’s website.
Prater has made 18 of his 20 field-goal attempts, including 1 of 2 from 50 yards or more, and is 46 for 49 on extra points.
Who Will Be the Bills Kicker for the Playoffs?
Prater’s injury does not appear serious, but it’s significant enough that Buffalo planned to host workouts Tuesday for potential replacement options. It’s a tough spot to be, as the available options aren’t great.
The Bills released Michael Badgley from the practice squad last week when Prater was deemed healthy to return. Badgley, 30, has converted 11 of 12 field goals this season between stints with the Colts and Bills, but had a key extra point blocked in the Week 17 loss to the Eagles.
Prater initially replaced Tyler Bass, who has been on injured reserve since before Week 1 due to a left hip/groin injury. Bass underwent surgery for his injury in early December, and McDermott recently said a return is unlikely.
“Sean McDermott … does not believe there is a chance for kicker Tyler Bass to return at any point this season,” the Buffalo News’ Jay Skurski said on X (formerly Twitter).
Why is Matt Prater Important to the Bills?
Prater has been one of the NFL’s most consistent kickers, converting 83.8% of his attempts over 19 seasons. His 425 career makes rank second among active kickers behind the Jets’ Nick Folk (431) and 13th all-time.
Prater holds records for most extra points in a season (75 in 2013) and most career 50-yard field goals. Additionally, during his Pro Bowl campaign with the Lions in 2016, he set the record for most consecutive field goals made from 50-plus yards, with 14.
At 41, Prater is the league’s second-oldest active player behind Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (42). Undrafted out of UCF in 2006, he has also kicked for the Falcons, Broncos, and Cardinals.
Bills HC Sean McDermott Shares Update on Matt Prater Ahead of Wild Card Game