Why are so many NFL kickers getting hurt? The kicker carousel has been spinning rapidly across the league this fall.
Injuries among these specialists have become a concerning trend.
Often seen as the quirky specialists in a sport defined by toughness, the place-kicking community has faced an unusual amount of adversity this season. Their primary task is to manage the mental strain of high-pressure situations, yet they are experiencing physical setbacks.
Teams that have managed to maintain stability at the kicker position should consider themselves fortunate.
“Just looking for a live leg, you know?” remarked New York Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich last week after his team’s latest adjustment brought Spencer Shrader on board, while veteran kicker Harrison Butker finds himself on injured reserve with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Butker is among seven kickers currently on IR, a notable list that includes well-known names like Matt Prater and Greg Zuerlein.
For Shrader, this marks his third team, having previously kicked for the Indianapolis Colts. His anticipated replacement on the Jets, Anders Carlson, has already seen action in two games for the San Francisco 49ers. Before the weekend, 45 different players had attempted at least one kick this regular season, and that number will rise to 48 once Shrader’s appearances are counted.
The Jets will reach four kickers in just four weeks, joining the 49ers and the New York Giants for the highest count in the league. Both the 49ers and Giants have had to rely on their punters due to in-game injuries, while the Washington Commanders have cycled through three kickers.
Sportradar data reveals that only 41 kickers were used across the league during the entire 2023 season, including a rare punter appearance and Riley Patterson’s unique stint with both the Cleveland Browns and the Detroit Lions. A decade ago, only 37 players attempted kicks in a regular season game.
So what’s the underlying issue? Opinions vary widely within the NFL.
“I would never be the coach that says, ‘Just let them score,’ but, dang, that’s two weeks in a row,” stated 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan last month.
The Minnesota Vikings typically schedule kicking sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays to prepare for Sunday games.
“You really have to make sure you’re monitoring those guys, especially the young ones who think they can kick until their legs fall off,” coach Daniels said. “It’s essential to be smart about their workload and hold them accountable.”
While some may downplay the link between longer-distance kicking and rising injury rates, there is a clear consensus that managing weekly workloads is critical.
“Part of it is establishing a routine. Some younger players may not notice the effects early on, but after a few years, a lack of routine can lead to issues,” explained Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins, who has battled hamstring injuries for several seasons. “I can’t say long kicks are the sole reason, because my effort is similar for a 60-yarder as it is for a 44-yarder.”
Parker Romo knows the value of a consistent routine. Recently called up by the Vikings to replace Reichard, he successfully made all four of his field goal attempts against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“You definitely don’t want to kick too much because you never know when that phone could ring,” Romo advised. “You have to be prepared, as one day you could be working out for a team. It’s important to limit those longer attempts. Sure, it’s enjoyable to practice them, but being smart about it is key.”
