NFL Player News
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Brett Maher K | LAR
Brett Maher: Stays on Dallas' practice squad
Maher agreed to a deal Wednesday to join the Cowboys' practice squad and is expected to serve as Dallas' kicker in the team's Sept. 11 season opener against Tampa Bay, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.
Maher previously kicked for the Cowboys in 2018 and 2019 before replacing an injured Wil Lutz with New Orleans last season. He then joined the Cowboys in early August to provide competition, and within two weeks, Maher was the only kicker left on the roster. He may prove functional for fantasy, regardless of his roster status, as the Cowboys typically have played at a fast pace and moved the ball effectively when they've had quarterback Dak Prescott in the lineup. Granted, things may not be as smooth in the campaign ahead, with left tackle Tyron Smith (leg) expected to miss most, if not all of the season, and with the wideout room much thinner than it was in 2021. Maher has a strong leg -- he's converted from 63 and 62 yards in games during his career -- but he struggled with mid-range kicks during his previous stint with the Cowboys and missed a couple extra-point attempts for the Saints last year. He could be replaced in a hurry if he struggles early in the season.
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James McCourt K | LV
James McCourt: Waived by Jacksonville
The Jaguars waived McCourt on Wednesday.
McCourt, an undrafted rookie out of Illinois, and Jake Verity (undisclosed) both made the team's initial 53-man roster, but both kickers were let go Wednesday to make room for a number of waiver claims, including former Lions kicker Riley Patterson. McCourt appeared in only one preseason game with Jacksonville and made both of his field-goal attempts, including a 54-yarder.
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Riley Patterson K | MIA
Jaguars' Riley Patterson: Lands with Jacksonville
The Jaguars claimed Patterson off waivers from the Lions on Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Patterson re-signed with the Lions in late April after he served as Detroit's kicker for seven games in 2021, but he was unable to beat out Austin Seibert for a roster spot during the preseason. Patterson quickly found a new home in Jacksonville and appears in line to be the Jaguars top place kicker after the team waived recently acquired Jake Verity and James McCourt to open up roster spots for several waiver claims.
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Eddy Pineiro K | SF
Panthers' Eddy Pineiro: Inks one-year deal with Carolina
Pineiro agreed to a one-year contract with the Panthers on Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Pineiro becomes the only kicker on Carolina's roster following the team's placement of Zane Gonzalez (core) on injured reserve. The 26-year-old made all 17 of his field-goal attempts while joining the Jets for their final five games of the 2021 season, but he couldn't beat out Greg Zuerlein for New York's kicking job this offseason. Carolina could continue to bring in competition for Pineiro, but for the time, he'll handle kicking duties in the Sept. 11 season opener versus the Browns.
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Riley Patterson K | MIA
Riley Patterson: Part of Tuesday's roster cuts
The Lions waived Patterson on Tuesday.
Patterson signed with the Lions in late April after he served as Detroit's kicker over seven games in 2021. However, he was unable to beat out Austin Seibert for a roster spot during the preseason.
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Cairo Santos K | CHI
Bears' Cairo Santos: Enters third year with Chicago
Santos is the only kicker on the Bears' 53-man roster, according to the team's official site.
Santos made more than 90 percent of his field-goal attempts in his first two years with the Bears. However, he's averaged fewer than two field-goal attempts during his tenure in Chicago. Unless the offense can provide him with increased opportunities this year, he'll continue to be a borderline fantasy option in 12-team leagues.
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Zane Gonzalez K | ATL
Panthers' Zane Gonzalez: Hits IR, done for the year
The Panthers placed Gonzalez (groin) on injured reserve Tuesday, possibly ending his 2022 season, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
Gonzalez may require surgery to address a groin injury he sustained during Carolina's preseason finale versus Buffalo, and the timing of the 27-year-old kicker's placement on IR means he will miss the entire 2022 campaign unless he works out an injury settlement with the team. The Panthers don't currently have another kicker on the roster, meaning the team will have to prioritize making a signing in the aftermath of league-wide roster cutdowns.
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Brett Maher K | LAR
Brett Maher: Released but should be re-signed
The Cowboys released Maher on Tuesday but likely will re-sign him before Week 1, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.
The team signed Maher on Aug. 9 after Jonathan Garibay was waived. Dallas then cut Lirim Hajrullahu two weeks later, leaving Maher as the only kicker on the roster. He's one of the few kickers in NFL history with multiple conversions from over 60 yards, but he struggled with midrange kicks during his first stint in Dallas (2018-19).
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Zane Gonzalez K | ATL
Panthers' Zane Gonzalez: Surgery TBD per Rhule
Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said Monday that it's yet to be determined if Gonzalez (groin) will need surgery or how long he'll be out, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Gonzalez suffered the injury during Friday's preseason finale, but the extent of the issue remains unknown, though he is expected to miss a significant amount of time. He's currently the only kicker on Carolina's roster, so expect the Panthers to make a move for a replacement soon. More information on Gonzalez's status should come closer to Tuesday's 53-man roster deadline.
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Chris Boswell K | PIT
Steelers' Chris Boswell: Busy in preseason finale
Boswell converted four of his five field-goal attempts while making his lone extra-point try during Sunday's 19-9 preseason win over the Lions.
Boswell had a 29-yard field-goal attempt blocked early in the third quarter Sunday, but he was otherwise perfect while accounting for most of Pittsburgh's scoring during the final game of the preseason. The 31-year-old had missed his only other preseason field-goal attempt ahead of Sunday's matchup, but he enters the regular season as the clear starting kicker for the Steelers after agreeing to a four-year, $20 million extension with Pittsburgh in early August.