The Buffalo Bills didn't expect to need a new kicker at the start of the season.
They didn't sign Matt Prater until a couple days before their Sunday Night Football opener, because the shakiness of Tyler Bass' injury didn't seem that severe until the last few days leading into Week 1.
And now, Bass still hasn't played, and Prater has been solid.
The 41-year old Prater has gone 10-for-11 on field goals with the Bills, including the short game-winner in Week 1 and one make from 52 yards. He's also 15-of-15 on extra points.
Bass is the under-contract, long-term kicker, but it's also a fickle position in the NFL.
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When is Tyler Bass coming back?
Bass was eligible to return from Injured Reserve in Week 5.
He has yet to even be designated to return from IR yet, the move that opens a 21-day practice window. So he's likely, at minimum, a few weeks away.
Bass has a hip/groin injury, which doesn't sound ideal for the mechanics that it takes to kick.
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Prater has been good, so the Bills don't necessarily have to rush Bass.
But if Bass gets healthy at some point, it'll create at least a bit of a tough decision for the Bills' decision makers.
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