Bills Adjust Specialist Roster After Game-Winning Kick; Falcons Make Kicker Change
The Buffalo Bills are making adjustments to their specialist positions after a thrilling Week 1 victory against the Baltimore Ravens. Veteran kicker Matt Prater, signed after Tyler Bass was placed on injured reserve, nailed a game-winning 32-yard field goal. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons have benched their kicker, Younghoe Koo, due to performance issues.
Prater's Improbable Debut with the Bills
Matt Prater, a 19-year veteran, secured his place in Bills lore just days after joining the team. His 32-yard field goal capped off a 15-point comeback, making the Bills the first team in NFL history to overcome such a deficit with under four minutes remaining and win in regulation. Prater acknowledged the support, stating, "[The response] has been amazing... I'm excited and I'm just happy I could come through."
Tyler Bass's injury, a left hip/groin issue, necessitated the signing of Prater. Head Coach Sean McDermott emphasized Bass's importance to the team, stating, "Tyler's our guy... We're going to help him get through this injury piece."
Special Teams Shakeup in Buffalo
In addition to the kicking change, the Bills released punter Brad Robbins and signed Cameron Johnston after a tryout. Only long snapper Reid Ferguson remains a constant. McDermott explained the changes by saying they "didn't feel like we were where we needed to be." Ferguson, the longest-tenured Bill, noted the age dynamic shift, saying, "So, I went from the oldest in the room to the youngest, which I think has been a funny admission." Johnston and Prater have worked together in the past, which should ease the transition.
- Matt Prater signed as kicker.
- Cameron Johnston signed as punter.
- Reid Ferguson remains long snapper.
Kicker Carousel Across the NFL
Week 1 highlighted the importance of reliable kickers across the league. The Falcons missed a game-tying opportunity, and the Browns lost by one point after a missed field goal. The Bills, on the other hand, showcased the value of having a veteran like Prater who delivered in the clutch.
Falcons Bench Younghoe Koo; Elevate Parker Romo
The Atlanta Falcons are making a change at kicker, benching Younghoe Koo and elevating Parker Romo from the practice squad. Koo missed a 44-yard field goal in the final seconds of the previous game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Koo has struggled recently, making only 12 of 20 field goals over his past nine games. His field goal percentage has declined, ranking him among the lowest in the league since the start of 2024. Romo, who spent time with the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots, will get his opportunity with the Falcons.
