In a season marked by instability at the kicker position, the New York Jets have made yet another change ahead of their crucial Week 10 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. The team announced on Friday that they have signed rookie kicker Anders Carlson to the practice squad, with the expectation that he will be elevated to the active roster for Sunday’s game.
Carlson, a sixth-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL Draft, becomes the Jets’ third kicker in as many games. The carousel began when the struggling Greg Zuerlein was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury on October 30, just days after his missed field goal and extra point contributed to a heartbreaking three-point loss to the New England Patriots.
Riley Patterson’s Brief Stint
To replace Zuerlein, the Jets signed Riley Patterson, who won a six-man tryout for the job. Patterson’s tenure with the team was short-lived, however, as he was released after just one game despite going 3-for-3 on extra points in a 21-13 win over the Houston Texans last week.
According to a source close to the situation, while Patterson didn’t miss any kicks, one of his extra points hit the upright, potentially raising concerns about his consistency. When Carlson became available after being released by the San Francisco 49ers earlier this week, the Jets saw an opportunity to upgrade at the position.
Carlson’s Impressive Preseason
During his brief stint with the 49ers, Carlson displayed a powerful and accurate leg, going 5-for-5 on field goals, including a 55-yarder, and 3-for-4 on extra points. His performance caught the attention of several teams, but it was the Jets who acted quickly to secure his services.
Interestingly, the Jets had previously traded the sixth-round pick used to draft Carlson to the Packers as part of the blockbuster Aaron Rodgers deal. While Carlson had an up-and-down rookie preseason with Green Bay, going 27-for-33 on field goals and 34-for-39 on extra points, his potential was evident.
We all still believe in Zuerlein, but this is a good opportunity for him to hit the reset button.
– Jets General Manager Joe Douglas
Zuerlein’s Future Uncertain
Despite the decision to sign Carlson, Jets general manager Joe Douglas hasn’t completely closed the door on a potential return for Zuerlein. “We all still believe in Z,” Douglas said on Wednesday. “Obviously, he struggled with some of the mechanics and had a little tweak here, so I think this is a good opportunity for him to kind of hit the reset button.”
Zuerlein, who had a career year in 2022, struggled mightily this season before landing on IR. His misses played a significant role in three of the Jets’ six losses, leaving the team in search of stability at the position as they cling to slim playoff hopes.
Playoff Implications
At 3-6, the Jets find themselves in a precarious position, but they’re not out of the playoff race just yet. According to ESPN Analytics, New York still has an 18% chance of making the postseason. A win against the Cardinals on Sunday would go a long way in keeping those hopes alive.
The decision to bring in Carlson is a clear indication that the Jets believe he gives them the best chance to win now. In a league where games are often decided by the slimmest of margins, having a reliable kicker can make all the difference.
As the Jets prepare for this must-win game, all eyes will be on Carlson to see if he can provide the stability and consistency that has eluded the team’s kicking game thus far. With their playoff aspirations hanging in the balance, the Jets are hoping that their latest kicker change will be the charm.
