The New York Jets have finally addressed their kicking problem, and yet, it’s still not clear in terms of where the team will be going from here.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Jets (6-2) have signed not one, but two kickers, ahead of facing the Houston Texans (6-2) in Week 9’s “Thursday Night Football” contest.
But neither has been added to the active roster. New York has signed Riley Patterson and Spencer Shrader to the practice squad following the club’s decision to bring in multiple kickers for tryouts over recent days:
New legs in New York: The #Jets are signing kickers Riley Patterson and Spencer Shrader to the practice squad, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo.
They’ll give Greg Zuerlein time to get his knee right. Patterson or Shrader will kick Thursday night.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 30, 2024
Patterson, 25, has bounced around in his first three NFL seasons. He has played for the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Cleveland Browns. Patterson has hit on 59 of his 67 career attempts (88.1 percent).
Shrader, 25, was an undrafted free agent signing of the Indianapolis Colts in April. Shrader only went on to play in Indy’s season opener as he was released once veteran Matt Gay returned to the lineup.
Shrader was three-for-three on extra points in that outing.
At the time of posting, it’s unclear if either of those two new kickers or if Greg Zuerlein will be booting the ball against the Texans. Zuerlein has not been released and is also on the Jets’ injury report this week.
While on the practice squad, Patterson or Shrader could be called up to the active roster to suit up against Houston.
Zuerlein has an NFL high six missed kicks so far this season.
Jets Wire will provide updates as information is made available.
