Following the season-ending injury to veteran kicker Michael Badgley, Detroit Lions fans and media have wondered when the team is going to bring in competition for kicker Jake Bates.
So far, that hasn't happened, which is especially surprising after Bates had struggled of late in practice. But, in the team's preseason opener on Thursday night, Bates did exactly what he needed to and made a 53-yard field goal with room to spare in what was his lone attempt of the evening.
After the game, head coach Dan Campbell revealed the team gave Bates a vote of confidence during the week and made it clear they're sticking with him for now.
Jake Bates is 💰 from 53❗️#DETvsNYG | 📺 Lions TV Network pic.twitter.com/va1B5v1oH1
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 8, 2024
“It was good to see Jake hit that field goal — 53 yarder with the rain right down the pipes," Campbell said, per Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit. "We told him after the scrimmage the other day, ‘We’re sticking with you. We’re going to give you a chance to grow here. Let’s see how you respond.’ He was told that, (Dave) Fipp told him, I told him, and so I thought it was encouraging.”
There has never been a question about Bates' leg strength, because he showed that on several occasions during his impressive UFL stint and on Thursday night.
The question is, can he be consistent enough to be an NFL kicker?
That hasn't exactly shown up in practice, but practice isn't the end-all, be-all. If Bates can answer the bell in games and prove to be reliable, the Lions are going to continue to roll with him.
