Who Should I Start? Jason Sanders or Riley Patterson

Thursday, October 16, 12:05 PM

According to Miami Dolphins special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman, the team is uncertain if placekicker Jason Sanders (hip) is close to a return, or if he'll even be available to play in the 2025 campaign. Sanders sustained a hip injury leading up to the start of the regular season, but it appears to be worse than initially thought, as he was expected back after Week 5 but has yet to begin practicing. Considering the team's lack of knowledge regarding his progression and Riley Patterson's excellence working in his stead, it wouldn't be surprising if the 29-year-old didn't kick again until 2026. Fantasy managers can safely drop Sanders if he was being held onto.

Saturday, December 6, 6:24 AM

Miami Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson has filled in well for Jason Sanders (hip) this season, as Sanders' IR stint has extended through the first 13 weeks of the season. Patterson has made 21 of his 23 field goal attempts overall this season and 24 of his 25 extra point attempts. He converted all four of his field goal chances last week against the Saints and also added an extra point. This week, he'll be in a good matchup against the Jets, but the weather in New York is expected to be very cold. Patterson has not made any field goals from 50+ yards this season, but has consistently converted shorter attempts. The elements will make it tough to make anything from long distance, but he can reliably deliver shorter kicks. He is the No. 14 kicker in RotoBaller's Week 14 rankings, so he isn't a must-start in most leagues, but he isn't a terrible option either.