Detroit Lions’ Kicker Michael Badgley Out for Season
The Detroit Lions have placed kicker Michael Badgley on injured reserve due to a severe injury, as announced by Coach Dan Campbell on Thursday. Badgley, who suffered a torn hamstring while preparing for practice, will undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the season.
“Badgley sustained a major injury yesterday while getting ready for practice,” Campbell told Sports Illustrated. “He’ll be on injured reserve for the season and is scheduled for surgery. I feel terrible for Badge; he worked incredibly hard to prepare for the season, had a strong spring, and was ready for camp. It’s a tough blow.”
Badgley, who was competing with new addition Jake Bates for the starting kicker role, had been a crucial asset for the Lions over the past two seasons. He made 24 of 28 regular-season field goals and was perfect on four postseason attempts last year.
Bates, who previously excelled with the Michigan Panthers of the UFL, is currently the only kicker on the Lions’ roster.
“We’ve recently conducted a workout and are evaluating several candidates,” Campbell said. “Brad and I are discussing our options. We’re not rushing the decision. We’ll bring in the right person who can provide competition for camp if needed.”
With Badgley’s injury, the Lions are actively seeking solutions to ensure strong competition and depth at the kicker position as the season nears.
