The Detroit Lions have made a decisive move in their kicking game as the preseason comes to a close. Following a rigorous evaluation process, Jake Bates has emerged as the team’s primary kicker on the initial 53-man roster. This decision comes in the wake of Michael Badgley’s unfortunate season-ending torn hamstring, which left the team with a critical vacancy at the position.
At their annual post-training camp press conference, Lions Executive Vice President and General Manager Brad Holmes, alongside Assistant General Manager Ray Agnew, shed light on their kicker situation. Despite the setback of Badgley’s injury, Bates has impressed the Lions’ front office with his resilience and performance throughout the preseason.
Holmes praised Bates’ mental fortitude and physical attributes, emphasizing his ability to bounce back from misses—a trait reminiscent of Badgley’s own consistency. “The main thing, regardless of what you say about accuracy and all that stuff, if he does miss one, it doesn’t affect him,” Holmes remarked. “That was a good trait that Badgley had as well. So, being he has that and he has a physical component, and he’s gotten these reps in training camp, let’s just see how far it can go.”
While Bates has secured his place on the active roster, the Lions are not closing the door on additional reinforcements. Holmes confirmed that the team is still considering adding another kicker to the practice squad, reflecting a desire for more experience and depth in the kicking game. “We’ll still look at adding another kicker to the practice squad,” Holmes said. “Got to have a little bit more experience, but I think [Bates] earned [the role] to give it a shot.”
Bates, who previously played for the United Football League’s Michigan Panthers, showcased his talent during the preseason. He finished with an impressive 6-of-7 accuracy on field goals and 3-of-4 on extra points, boasting a field goal percentage of 85.7%. Holmes was particularly impressed by Bates’ athleticism and the mental resilience he displayed. “He’s got a big leg,” Holmes said. “One thing about kickers is you have to be wired a certain way, and we learned early on that he’s wired right.”
In addition to discussing the kicking situation, Holmes also provided insights into the team’s wide receiver roster. He expressed confidence in the group’s potential, citing the presence of elite talents such as Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Kalif Raymond. “I’d have a lot less confidence if we did not have an elite player [St. Brown] leading that position,” Holmes said. “But because it’s completely a team effort, I still have confidence.”
As the Lions gear up for the regular season, Jake Bates’ role will be pivotal. The team’s decision to rely on him, combined with their ongoing search for additional support, underscores their commitment to strengthening every aspect of their roster.
