Younghoe Koo Benched: Parker Romo to Kick for Falcons in Week 2
The Atlanta Falcons are making a change at kicker for their Week 2 game against the Minnesota Vikings. Veteran Younghoe Koo will be sidelined, and Parker Romo has been elevated from the practice squad to take his place.
Why is Younghoe Koo Not Playing?
Koo is a healthy scratch for the Falcons' game against the Vikings. The decision comes after Koo missed a 44-yard field goal in the final seconds of regulation during the Falcons' 23-20 Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While he remains on the 53-man roster, he did not travel with the team to Minnesota.
This benching follows a 2024 season in which Koo struggled with a hip injury and made only 73.5% of his field goals, his worst percentage since 2017. Head coach Raheem Morris's patience seems to have run thin, emphasizing the importance of making kicks.
"That's cut-and-dry position, right? You either make it or you don't, and we've got to have guys in a position to make them." - Raheem Morris
Who is Parker Romo?
Parker Romo, 28, will be the Falcons' kicker for their Week 2 matchup. This marks his sixth NFL team since entering the league as an undrafted free agent from Virginia Tech in 2022. While with the Vikings in 2024, he played in four regular-season games, making 11 of 12 field goal attempts with a long of 55 yards.
Romo spent the 2025 offseason competing for the New England Patriots' kicking job but was released during final cuts. He also played for the UFL's San Antonio Brahmas in 2023, where he made 17 of 19 field goals.
Koo's Recent Performance
Younghoe Koo, previously considered one of the league's most accurate kickers, has struggled recently. Over his last nine games, he is only 12-of-20 on field goals. Since the start of 2024, among kickers with 20 or more field goal attempts, Koo ranks near the bottom in field goal percentage.
Is Parker Romo Related to Tony Romo?
No, Parker Romo is not related to former NFL quarterback Tony Romo. They simply share a last name.
What to Expect From Romo
Romo now has a high-stakes opportunity to kick for the Falcons as they aim to avoid an 0-2 start to the season. While he has limited NFL experience, his performance with the Vikings in 2024 showed promise. In 2023, he led the XFL in field goal percentage.
| Kicker | Team | Field Goal Percentage (2024) | NFL Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Younghoe Koo | Atlanta Falcons | 73.5% | 7 Seasons |
| Parker Romo | Atlanta Falcons | 91.7% (with Vikings) | 4 Games |
