Following an injury on Thursday, Michael Badgley, the kicker for the Lions, is out for the season.
During team periods on Thursday during the Detroit Lions’ training camp, Jake Bates was the only one kicking. We now know why that seemed a little strange when the competition for the kicker position grew.
Kicker Michael Badgely suffered a serious leg injury prior to Thursday’s practice, and head coach Dan Campbell announced as much during his Friday morning news conference. Badgely will require surgery. He will miss the entire season after being placed on injured reserve.
According to John Maakaron of SI.com, coach Dan Campbell stated, “Badgley had a significant injury yesterday getting ready for practice.” “He is actually getting surgery, so he will be out of the season and placed on injured reserve shortly. Feel terrible for Badge, dude. He put in a ton of effort to prepare for the season, had a nice spring, and was prepared for camp. Anyhow, it is difficult.”
According to further accounts, Badgley has a torn hamstring.
Right now, Jake Bates is the favorite to be the Lions’ kicker.
After hitting a game-winning 64-yard field goal in the Michigan Panthers’ UFL season opener this spring, Bates gained immense popularity among Lions supporters. In an attempt to land the job on Thursday, Bates made a virtually flawless first impression by going 6-for-6 on field goals, in what is now known to be an awful situation for Badgley. Less than twenty-four hours later, he leads the field.
Campbell stated that although they are not in a rush to sign someone, they will bring in another kicker. According to one story, the Lions would “eventually” develop kickers, but according to Campbell, they have already done so.
“We actually just held a workout and brought in some guys just to take a look at. “Brad and I are now discussing this topic. However, we are also not in a rush. We will do it once we get the ideal candidate who will assist us in the competition for camp.”
Right now, it seems like Bates has to lose, but we will see who the Lions bring in to take Badgleys spot.