FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets are making another adjustment to their kicking situation as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich announced on Friday that Spencer Shrader is expected to take on the role of kicker for this Sunday’s match after a recent change at the position.
Riley Patterson, who filled in for the injured Greg Zuerlein, was released after just one game in which he successfully made all three of his extra point attempts against the Houston Texans. Although Patterson secured the job over Shrader after a mid-week competition, the Jets decided to move forward with a new option following their 21-13 victory against Houston.
Shrader, currently on the practice squad, is anticipated to either be elevated or signed onto the active roster prior to the game. In addition, the Jets have brought former Packers and 49ers kicker Anders Carlson onto the practice squad to add depth to the position. Ulbrich shared insights on the recent moves, stating, “We’re just looking for a live leg. We brought in a player who has experience kicking in the NFL. We believe both Spencer Shrader and Carlson have strong legs.” Ulbrich emphasized that Shrader performed well in practice on Friday, suggesting he is likely to get the nod this Sunday.
Spencer Shrader initially signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in April after his college career at Notre Dame. In his lone NFL appearance, he successfully kicked three extra points during the Colts’ season opener against the Texans.
Anders Carlson recently played with the San Francisco 49ers, where he was successful on five of his five field goal attempts and three out of four extra points over two games, filling in for injured kickers Jake Moody and Matthew Wright before being released on Tuesday. Carlson was a sixth-round pick by the Green Bay Packers last year, where he made 27 of 33 field goal attempts and 34 of 39 extra points during his rookie season.
Zuerlein, who had previously been a dependable kicker for the Jets over the past two seasons, has faced challenges this year after re-signing with the team in March on a two-year deal. He missed four of his last seven field goals in three games before being placed on injured reserve due to a left leg injury. General manager Joe Douglas reassured fans on Wednesday, expressing confidence in Zuerlein’s ability to bounce back from a rough patch, saying: “He had a career year last year, and we still believe in him. This is a good chance for him to reset, and we haven’t given up on him helping us win games.”
In a related roster move, the Jets recently elevated defensive lineman Bruce Hector from the practice squad to the active roster. Hector has contributed three total tackles in limited action this season.
The Jets are also optimistic about their offensive line, as they may finally have their starting unit from Week 1 intact for the first time in three games. Right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, who had been sidelined for the previous two games due to a high ankle sprain, returned to full participation in practice on Friday, along with left guard John Simpson and right tackle Morgan Moses.
Despite the positive outlook for the offensive line, injuries continue to impact the team. Linebacker C.J. Mosley (neck) and backup offensive lineman Jake Hanson (hamstring) have been ruled out for the upcoming game. Meanwhile, defensive lineman Solomon Thomas is considered questionable with a knee injury, and linebacker Chazz Surratt is also uncertain due to a hamstring issue. Tight end Tyler Conklin returned as a full participant on Friday after experiencing an ankle tweak during Thursday’s practice.