The Detroit Lions have their kicker in Jake Bates, After a rough start to camp, Bates has come along and played really well in both preseason games. The highlight was the big 43-yard walk off game winner against the Chiefs last Saturday.
Despite that portion of things being taken care of, the Lions could still look to have reunion with one of their former kickers to fill a the kicker slot on the practice squad soon.
That’s Riley Patterson. He is now on the waiver wire after the Commanders waived him following a trade for Cade York. The Lions could either put in a claim for him or wait until he hits free agency, but it makes some sense to go with a guy that you have some knowledge of.
It also really tracks with the Lions recent past at the position. Patterson was with the team and then left and the Lions made to a trade to bring him back last summer. Michael Badgley was with the team and then left and the Lions brought him back. There’s a comfort there with bringing back guys that the team knows.
The Lions have traditionally had a kicker on their practice squad in the past few years. Here’s a guy that already knows the staff and just fits right in. Why not?