While it’s extremely rare to see a team need to call on a fill-in for place-kicking duties in the NFL, that was the case on Sunday for the Texans. During their game against the Buccaneers, kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn suffered a quad injury and was forced to leave the game.
So Houston called on the emergency kicker, which is apparently RB Dare Ogunbowale, who had to kickoff during the second half. Surprisingly, Ogunbowale's kick looked pretty good for a guy who almost certainly doesn't put in much practice time at the position.
#Texans RB Dare Ogunbowale just had to kickoff to start the second half.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 5, 2023
K Ka'imi Fairbairn suffered a quad injury and is done for the day. pic.twitter.com/QUzonV7OxF
The kickoff by the Texans' backup running back was fielded around the three or four-yard line and came down shockingly between the hashes, which might be the most underrated part of all of this. Ogunbowale not only nearly got the kick to the end zone, but did so while keeping it straight as well.
He later nailed a go-ahead field goal in the fourth quarter:
#Texans RB Dare Ogunbowale just kicked a 29-yard FG to give Houston the lead.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 5, 2023
This is amazing.pic.twitter.com/eVhxchALt5 https://t.co/CORVhXOFLz
Too good.