Fantasy Kicking Help: What to Do if You Missed Out on Prater?
As you know by now, Matt Prater will be kicking for Detroit this Sunday, October 12, when the Lions visit Minnesota at TCF Stadium. Things happen quickly in the NFL, and if I took the time to dramatize things, you might believe you’re reading a soap opera script.
In a nutshell, Prater, the NFL record holder for the longest successful field goal kick of 64 yards last season, and league-best 25-of-26 in field goals, was expected to resume his kicking duties for the Broncos after serving a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse program. The Broncos chose to snub the past success of Prater, and instead stick with his replacement, Brandon McManus.
Fade to Detroit. Coming off an inconsistent season by David Akers last year, the Lions turned to the draft and selected Nate Freese in the seventh round. After a disastrous start, Freese was released, but his replacement, Alex Henery, struggled just as mightily. The two kickers were a combined 0-of-6 from the 40-to-49 yard range, and 4-of-12 overall. To shore up the shaky kicking situation, the Lions released Henery and quickly signed Prater to a one-year deal.
Just another day at the office in the NFL.
