Jets' Kicker Good to Go in Week 18 vs. Patriots?

Originally posted on FanNation Jets Country
By Ralph Ventre | Last updated 1/7/24

Starter Greg Zuerlein wasn't not on the injury report this past week, but that didn't stop the New York Jets from activating a kicker insurance policy ahead of their regular season finale at New England.

The Jets designated two gameday elevations, calling up kicker Austin Seibert and fullback Nick Bawden from the Practice Squad for the January 7 battle against the AFC East rival Patriots. Seibert, who kicked for New York in its Week 2 road loss to Dallas, rejoined the P-Squad on December 27 as Zuerlein nursed a sore right quad.

Despite being banged up, Zuerlein dressed for the Jets' Thursday Night Football appearance in Cleveland on December 28. The 36-year-old veteran successfully booted two field goals (46, 44) in the 37-20 setback. He was charged with only his second miss of the season when the Browns blocked a 31-yard attempt.

Seibert's elevation suggests Zuerlein may have had a setback while preparing for the Week 18 finale. Zuerlein has been superb throughout his second season as a Jet. Over a 15-game sample, the grizzled veteran has converted 32 of 34 three-point attempts. The 32 field goals are tied for fifth most in the NFL. He's 12-of-12 on kicks ranging from 40-49 yards while making five of six tries from 50+.

Filling in for Zuerlein earlier this year, Seibert made his lone field goal attempt from 34 yards in a 30-10 loss on September 17. For his NFL career, the 27-year-old Seibert has made 45 of 56 field goal attempts (80.4 percent) with a long of 53 yards. He is a perfect 26-for-26 on three-pointers inside of 40 yards. In between two separate stints with the Jets in 2023, Seibert spent one week as a Saints' Practice Squad player before being released on December 7.

Bawden was a member of the Jets' active 53-man roster for the season's first 15 weeks before being released to clear a spot for quarterback Aaron Rodgers's return. New York subsequently signed their veteran fullback to a P-Squad deal on December 22. The Jets designated Bawden as a call-up in Week 16, but he landed amongst teh gameday inactives. The fullback returned to action against the Browns, making an 8-yard reception while logging eight offensive snaps.

The Jets (6-10) and the Patriots (4-12) will kick off at 1:00 pm ET on Sunday.