The New York Jets are keeping their newly signed kicker on standby.
Despite bringing in former San Francisco 49ers kicker Anders Carlson, who has been perfect on field goals this season (5-for-5), the Jets have opted for a different direction.
For their Week 10 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, the Jets promoted rookie kicker Spencer Shrader from the practice squad.
Shrader has appeared in just one NFL game, which was in Week 1 while with the Indianapolis Colts, where he made all three of his extra-point attempts but didn’t try a field goal.
Jets Make Bold Switch with Season Hanging in the Balance
The Jets, currently sitting at 3-6 heading into Week 10, have slim chances of making the playoffs and need every win they can get.
In this critical matchup against the Cardinals, they’re going with an unproven option at kicker. It’s a gamble that could make or break their season.
As for Shrader, his performance remains a question mark. The rookie went undrafted in 2024 and has only one NFL game under his belt.
For now, the Jets are taking a cautious approach; Shrader was elevated from the practice squad on a temporary basis and will return there after the game against Arizona.
Shrader steps in for Riley Patterson, who initially replaced Greg Zuerlein when the veteran was placed on injured reserve.
Patterson hasn’t attempted a field goal this season but did make all three extra points in his lone appearance with the Jets.
However, it appears the Jets were not impressed with Patterson’s leg strength.
Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich noted they were seeking a “live leg,” which Shrader supposedly offers.
In Week 1, Shrader recorded five touchbacks on five kickoffs.
In contrast, Patterson failed to achieve any touchbacks on four kickoffs against the Houston Texans in Week 9, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
The leash for Shrader appears to be short. If he struggles against the Cardinals, the Jets might turn to Carlson in Week 11.
Jets’ Kicker Carousel Continues
The Jets’ kicker woes are just one part of their broader struggles over the past 13 years, which have kept them out of the playoffs since the 2010 season.
When Shrader takes the field on Sunday, he will become the 10th kicker to play for the Jets under general manager Joe Douglas, who took over in 2019.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini listed Shrader’s predecessors in order:
“Sam Ficken, Kaare Vedvik, Sergio Castillo, Chase McLaughlin, Matt Ammendola, Eddy Pineiro, Alex Kessman, [Greg] Zuerlein, and Patterson.”
Should Shrader falter, Carlson could become the 11th kicker for the Jets during the Douglas era next week.
The team also hasn’t ruled out a return to Zuerlein once he recovers from his injury, emphasizing that they still have faith in the veteran kicker.
