The first two days of Detroit Lions training camp are in the books. Several players have already stood out, while others are already beginning to pull away in their position battles.
One of those who has impressed thus far is kicker Jake Bates, who inked a two-year deal with the Lions this offseason after impressing with the UFL’s Michigan Panthers. Notably, Bates nailed a 64-yard field goal with the Panthers, planting himself on NFL radars.
In Detroit, Bates was set to battle with veteran Michael Badgley for the kicker job, but Badgley suffered a season-ending injury during practice, head coach Dan Campbell revealed on Friday.
Now, the Lions will bring someone else in to compete with Bates, Campbell said, although no signing is imminent.
On Thursday, Bates impressed those in attendance by going 6-for-6 on field goals and nailing a 53-yarder. Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com said the following about Bates:
It was the Jake Bates show in practice Thursday as he took all the kicks in team periods. I had him at a perfect 6-for-6 ranging from 24 to 53 yards. The power in that right leg is no joke. His 53 yarder nicked the right post and still landed a good 10 yards past the cross bar. Consistency will be big for him trying to beat out Michael Badgley for the kicker job.
It sounds like Bates couldn’t have asked for a better start to camp. If the young kicker stays consistent, he should find himself as the team’s starting kicker in 2024. And, with Badgley now out of the picture, his chances just improved.
