NFL Kickers Face Injuries and Controversies in Week 5

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Week 5 of the NFL season saw several injuries among kickers, with Spencer Shrader of the Indianapolis Colts suffering a season-ending knee injury. Shrader had entered the week as the top-scoring kicker, consistently scoring double-digit fantasy points in his first four games of 2025.

The Colts have yet to announce a replacement kicker following Shrader’s injury. Overall, it was a challenging week for kickers, with only seven players scoring double digits heading into Monday Night Football. Of those, only two had rosters in more than 5% of fantasy leagues.

New England rookie Nick Folk shone brightly in a tense finish, hitting a 52-yard field goal as time expired to secure an upset win over the Bills. The kick seemingly could have been good from over 60 yards, showcasing his impressive leg strength.

Meanwhile, an unusual incident affected the kicker Will Reichard of Minnesota. His 51-yard attempt hit the wire of a spider cam and veered off course. According to NFL rules, Reichard should have been given another chance, but officials did not notice the deflection. This error led to a five-point loss for those who had him in their fantasy lineup, reducing his score from eight to just three points.

On a positive note, the San Francisco 49ers may have resolved their kicker situation with veteran Eddy Pineiro. He scored 17 fantasy points in an unexpected road win against the Rams, converting four field goals and two extra points. Pineiro is poised for a top-10 ranking ahead of their upcoming game against the Buccaneers.

Other notable performances included Blake Grupe, who added 15 fantasy points at home against the Giants, and Brandon Aubrey, who continues to rank third in fantasy points despite not scoring more than 10 points in the past three games.

As the bye weeks roll in with only the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings sidelined, kicker rankings are facing constant shifts. Statistically, kickers who play in indoor arenas often have enhanced opportunities as weather conditions are less of a factor.

The Week 6 kicker rankings see names like Aubrey, Cameron Dicker, and Jake Bates holding top positions, while veterans such as Matt Prater are emerging as reliable options. As teams prepare for the upcoming games, finding consistency in the kicker position remains a challenge for many managers.