The Detroit Lions are down a kicker in their competition at training camp, as the team has placed Michael Badgley on season-ending injured reserve.
The news was revealed by Lions head coach Dan Campbell, who didn't immediately provide specifics on the injury. However, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the injury is a torn hamstring.
Campbell added that the team brought in kickers for tryouts this morning to provide some competition for Jake Bates, who had a standout showing on the second day of training practice after going 6-for-6.
Campbell noted there isn't a rush to sign anyone, though.
Lions K Michael Badgley suffered a severe injury getting ready for practice yesterday and will be put on injured reserve and will miss the season
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) July 26, 2024
Lions held a tryout for kickers this morning. The plan is to bring in competition for Bates, but Campbell said there's no rush to sign another guy.
— Justin Rogers | Detroit Football Network (@Justin_Rogers) July 26, 2024
Badgley has had multiple stints with the Lions during his career, with the most recent coming last season. But the Lions wanted more options ahead of 2024, and preferably one that could make longer kicks, which was behind the Bates signing.
With Badgley out of the mix, Bates now becomes the favorite to land the role but isn't a lock by any means. It's a matter of when, not if, the Lions bring in more competition.
