Riley Patterson to Make Jets Debut as Kicker Against Houston Texans

Riley Patterson is set to make his debut as the kicker for the New York Jets in their Week 9 matchup against the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football. This move comes after the Jets placed their incumbent kicker, Greg Zuerlein, on injured reserve due to a left knee injury. Zuerlein had been struggling this season, converting only 9 of his 15 field goal attempts and 13 of his 14 extra points through eight games.

Patterson, who has been a journeyman kicker in the NFL, was signed to the Jets’ practice squad along with rookie Spencer Shrader after the team worked out six kickers. Patterson emerged as the top choice and will be elevated to the active roster for the game against the Texans. He has a notable record, having made 59 out of 67 field goal attempts and 93 out of 97 extra points across 39 games with the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Cleveland Browns.

In addition to the changes at kicker, the Jets have made other roster adjustments. Wide receiver Allen Lazard has been placed on injured reserve due to a chest injury, and defensive tackle Leku Fotu has also been moved to injured reserve with a knee injury. Offensive lineman Alec Lindstrom has been added to the active roster, and tight end Kenny Yeboah has been activated from injured reserve.

Patterson’s experience and performance record make him a promising replacement for Zuerlein, who may not return to the active roster if Patterson performs well. Zuerlein is eligible to return in Week 14 against the Miami Dolphins, but his future with the Jets remains uncertain.