Jets add two kickers to practice squad as Greg Zuerlein's struggles continue

NEW YORK — Jets fans clamoring for a new kicker on social media finally got their wish on Wednesday.

Gang Green is signing Riley Patterson and Spencer Shrader to its practice squad.

Either Patterson or Shrader is expected to kick in Thursday’s game against the Houston Texans. The team also placed Greg Zuerlein on injured reserve.

Zuerlein has been the Jets’ kicker since 2022 but has struggled this season. He has missed six field goals and two extra points in eight games, compared to only three field goals and one extra point in 16 games last season.

In the Jets’ loss against the Patriots on Sunday, Zuerlein missed a 44-yard field goal and an extra point. On Tuesday, Patterson, Shrader, Cade York, Andre Szmyt, Zane Gonzalez and Brayden Narveson all worked out for the Jets at MetLife Stadium.

Also, on Tuesday, Zuerlein was added to the injury report (non-kicking knee) after practicing in a limited capacity. However, Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich did not mention Zuerlein’s injury during his media availability.

Patterson started his NFL career with the Lions, hitting 13-of-14 field goals as an undrafted rookie in 2021. The Jaguars claimed Patterson off waivers from the Lions in 2022, and he converted 30-of-35 field goals.

Despite his solid campaign, the Jaguars traded Patterson back to the Lions in 2023. He was eventually waived after missing two extra points in three games. Following his second stint with the Lions, Patterson has made stops in Cleveland and Washington.

Shrader went undrafted out of Notre Dame this year and eventually signed with the Colts as an undrafted free agent. He was waived and later added to the Colts practice squad before the team released him earlier this month.

In other moves ahead of the game against the Texans, the Jets signed linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball to the active roster and released safety Jaylen Key from the practice squad. Adding McCrary-Ball will give the Jets added depth after C.J. Mosley suffered a neck injury during pregame warm-ups against the Patriots and did not play.

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