Who Should I Start? Justin Tucker or Tyler Bass

Saturday, October 4, 9:26 AM

Free agent kicker Justin Tucker (suspended) is working out Saturday at the University of Texas, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Tucker was suspended for the first 10 weeks of the 2025 NFL season for violating the league's personal conduct policy, and he was subsequently released by the Baltimore Ravens this past offseason. He'll be eligible for reinstatement on November 11th, at which point he can sign with any team. Pelissero notes that Tucker "already has interest from several teams," which could mean that he signs sooner rather than later once he's eligible. Off-the-field issues aside, Tucker has been one of the best kickers in NFL history, nailing 90.2 percent of his field goals from 2012 through 2023. He proceeded to decline in 2024, making just 22 of 30 field goals, but teams are at least interested in seeing if the seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time First-Team All-Pro can return to peak form.

Thursday, October 9, 12:55 PM

While Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott remained non-committal on whether kicker Tyler Bass (groin, hip) would be able to play this season, he did say that he is "heading in the right direction," according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Bass remains on Injured Reserve, and the Bills didn't feel comfortable opening his 21-day practice window this week, which means he will not be ready to return for Monday night's contest in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons. The Bills probably aren't in any rush to bring the 28-year-old Bass back, with veteran Matt Prater being a reliable fill-in through the first five weeks of 2025. Prater has gone 10-for-15 on his field-goal chances while making all 15 of his extra-point opportunities for the 4-1 Bills. When/if Bass is fully healthy and ready to resume kicking, he should take back over as Buffalo's starting placekicker.