Oct 20, 2026, 2:49 PM ET

The Miami Dolphins announced on Tuesday that they have signed free-agent kicker Zane Gonzalez to their practice squad. In a corresponding move, the team released Riley Patterson, who served as their starting placekicker for the first five games of the season. Gonzalez is returning to the Dolphins after he was cut on Aug. 19 with an injury settlement after he was placed on Injured Reserve. He is now apparently healthy and ready to take over Miami's kicking job now that Patterson is no longer around. The Dolphins sent Patterson to the free-agent market after he missed two field goals and an extra point in the first five weeks of the season. The 31-year-old Gonzalez, a former seventh-round pick in 2017 from Arizona State, has made 81% of his 142 career field-goal attempts over seven seasons with five different teams. Gonzalez went 19-for-22 (86.4%) on field goals and 17-for-18 on extra-point attempts in nine games for the Atlanta Falcons last year. In Miami's lowly offense, fantasy managers should continue to ignore Gonzalez.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Miami Dolphins

Oct 20, 2026, 12:20 PM ET

The Baltimore Ravens signed free-agent kicker Jake Moody to their practice squad on Monday, sources told Jordan Schultz. Moody was with the team earlier this season when starting placekicker Tyler Loop struggled in training camp. The Ravens have decided to bring Moody back for more competition after Loop missed his third field goal of the season in the three-point loss to the division-rival Cleveland Browns on Sunday in Week 6. The 26-year-old Moody, a former third-rounder by the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 from Michigan, has made 78% of his 82 career field-goal attempts in three seasons in the NFL, including going 8-for-14 from 50-plus yards out. He spent last season kicking for the 49ers, Chicago Bears, and Washington Commanders, going 19-for-23 on field-goal attempts and 15-for-16 on extra-point attempts in nine total games. The Ravens will keep him around for insurance in case Loop continues to struggle, and he could become a fantasy streaming option at the kicking position if he eventually takes over Loop's job.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Jordan Schultz

Oct 20, 2026, 12:13 PM ET

The Miami Dolphins are releasing kicker Riley Patterson as they come out of their bye week, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Dolphins worked out free-agent kicker Zane Gonzalez on Tuesday, and he is expected to sign to the active 53-man roster to replace Patterson as the starting placekicker as the Dolphins get set to face the division-rival New York Jets on the road this weekend. Patterson made seven of his nine field-goal attempts and five of his six extra-point tries for Miami through the first five weeks of the 2026 season before the team decided to go in another direction coming out of the Week 6 bye. In his five-plus years in the NFL, Patterson has made 86.6% of his 97 field-goal attempts, including going 50% from 50-plus yards out on 14 tries from that distance. He has also made 96.1% of his 154 extra-point attempts with the Dolphins, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, and Jets.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

Oct 19, 2026, 6:15 PM ET

Los Angeles Rams kicker Blake Grupe (knee) suffered a torn ACL in the Week 6 upset loss to the division-rival Arizona Cardinals on Sunday and is out for the rest of the year, according to Greg Beacham of The Associated Press. The 27-year-old was making his debut with the Rams on Sunday before injuring himself while trying to make a tackle on a special teams kickoff. He was officially placed on Injured Reserve on Monday, so the Rams will have to find their third kicker of the year after starting the season with Harrison Mevis. The Rams signed Grupe off the New York Jets' practice squad after cutting Mevis last week. Before tearing his ACL against Arizona, Grupe made a 44-yard field goal on what will end up being his only kicking attempt of the season. Expect the Rams to work out kickers on Tuesday and decide on an option shortly thereafter as they head into a Week 7 road matchup in Las Vegas against the Raiders. It remains to be seen if Grupe will be fully healthy for the start of next season, but his torn ACL certainly will not help his chances of signing with a new team in 2027.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Associated Press - Greg Beacham

Oct 19, 2026, 4:01 PM ET

Los Angeles Rams kicker Blake Grupe (knee) has been placed on injured reserve, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, after getting hurt in Sunday's 18-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Grupe made a 44-yard field goal on his first attempt with Los Angeles before injuring his knee while tackling returner Devin Duvernay on the ensuing kickoff. The 27-year-old had joined the Rams just last week after Harrison Mevis was released, but his debut lasted only one quarter. Without Grupe, Los Angeles failed on a two-point conversion attempt in the second quarter, then punter Ethan Evans kicked an extra point late in the fourth with backup quarterback Stetson Bennett IV serving as the holder. Grupe will miss at least four games, leaving the Rams searching for another kicker after consecutive weeks of special teams problems.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Adam Schefter

Oct 19, 2026, 12:25 PM ET

The Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard on Monday, and Dan Patrick's sources have told him that the Colts' first call will be/has been to former quarterback Peyton Manning. Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon put both Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen on clear notice back in January, so barring a significant turnaround, the Colts will likely be looking for a new head coach soon, too. It is unclear if Manning has any interest in becoming the franchise's GM, which would include ownership interest in the Colts. Ballard had been Indy's GM since the 2017 season. The Colts have started out 2-4 on the season after just losing to the previously winless Tennessee Titans 26-20 at home on Sunday in Week 6. It could be an enticing offer for Manning with an ownership stake and the ability to pick his own quarterback. The Colts gave QB Daniel Jones an extension in the offseason despite the fact that he was coming off a torn Achilles tendon. Jones has underwhelmed so far through six games, throwing four touchdowns and six interceptions, but he has also been without a key weapon on offense in receiver Alec Pierce (heel). Making things more difficult for the next GM of the Colts is the fact that Indy traded their 2027 first-rounder (10th overall) to the New York Jets last year for cornerback Sauce Gardner. Since former franchise QB Andrew Luck retired before the 2019 season, the Colts have made two playoff appearances (one win) and are now on their seventh different starting QB.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Dan Patrick Show

Oct 18, 2026, 6:24 PM ET

Los Angeles Rams kicker Blake Grupe (knee) won't return to Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Grupe suffered a knee injury while making a tackle during a first quarter kickoff. Punter Ethan Evans could operate as the kicker if it's a short kick, but the expectation is that the Rams will just go for it for the rest of the game. Grupe made a 44-yard field goal before exiting this game. Fantasy managers will need to check back on his status to see if he's available for the Week 7 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.--Andy Webb
Source: Nate Atkins

Oct 18, 2026, 4:46 PM ET

Los Angeles Rams kicker Blake Grupe (knee) is doubtful to return to Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, according to Nate Atkins. Grupe suffered the injury while attempting to tackle returner Devin Duvernay on a kickoff following his successful 44-yard field goal in the first quarter. The 27-year-old was making his Rams debut after being signed earlier this week to replace Harrison Mevis, but his first appearance with Los Angeles could be cut short. Punter Ethan Evans was spotted practicing kicks on the sideline and is expected to take over kicking duties if Grupe cannot return. Evans has never attempted a field goal in an NFL regular-season game, creating considerable uncertainty around the Rams' kicking situation for the remainder of Sunday's contest.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Nate Atkins

Oct 17, 2026, 5:55 PM ET

San Francisco 49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro missed a field goal attempt from 52 yards out but was good on his 44-yard try that ended up being the difference in last week's 32-29 win over the Seahawks. He was 3-for-3 on extra point attempts, as well. The 49ers' efficiency on offense has eaten into Pineiro's production in 2026, allowing him just eight field goal attempts (with five makes) through the first five weeks. Pineiro could see more action this week, though. The 49ers' upcoming meeting with the Commanders has one of the highest point totals on the Week 6 slate. If the offensive bonanza comes to fruition, it will put Pineiro in a good spot for some extra chances to put points on the board. Pineiro has a top-12 projection in Week 6, and fantasy managers can feel good about including him in starting lineups.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Oct 17, 2026, 12:46 PM ET

Atlanta Falcons kicker Nick Folk was 3-for-3 on field goal attempts last week, making him 6-for-6 over the last three weeks (9-for-12 overall) while going 12-for-12 on extra points so far this season. The veteran's recent success can be partly attributed to the fact that he hasn't had a field goal try longer than 50 yards since Week 2, with two of his three misses this season coming from 50-plus. The 41-year-old may not be the best streaming option in leagues that reward longer field goals, but there have been many more opportunities for points since Michael Penix Jr. took over at the helm for Atlanta, and this week's matchup against the Bears has one of the highest over/unders on the slate (52.5), so Folk looks like a viable streamer for those managers in need of a kicker this week. He's ranked as the No. 19 kicker overall at RotoBaller for Week 6.--Jarod Rupp
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 17, 2026, 12:17 PM ET

New York Giants rookie kicker Dominic Zvada missed three costly field goals in the 27-27 tie against the Washington Commanders in Week 5. After making 10 straight kicks to start the season, Zvada struggled, missing from 46, 50, and 56 yards, including an overtime attempt that would've put New York ahead. While Zvada ranks third in field goal attempts this season, if he can't convert those looks, both the Giants and fantasy managers will lose trust in the rookie. He faces the New Orleans Saints in Week 6. The Saints have allowed the third-most points on defense this season and the 10th-most points per game to kickers. Given the volume, Zvada offers legit starting upside this week, but he's a risky option given the inaccuracy he showed against Washington last week.--Nathan Harvey
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 17, 2026, 11:46 AM ET

Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass has converted all nine of his field-goal attempts this season, including three during Monday's overtime victory against the Rams. His final attempt, a 45-yarder, secured Buffalo's 37-34 victory and capped an 11-point performance. Bass has benefited from an offense that has scored at least 24 points in every game this season, providing him with consistent scoring opportunities. The Bills now face a Las Vegas defense that has allowed 102 points over its last three contests, including 45 against New England in Week 5. Buffalo's ability to move the ball should keep Bass involved, whether drives finish with touchdowns or field-goal attempts. Ranked K9 in RotoBaller's Week 6 kicker rankings, Bass is a dependable starting option for fantasy managers who prefer an established kicker attached to a productive offense.--Bruno Mulé
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 17, 2026, 8:02 AM ET

Chicago Bears placekicker Cairo Santos will look to get back on track in this Sunday's road bout with the Atlanta Falcons. Santos had been solid through the first month of the campaign, but Chicago's offensive struggles in Week 5 hurt the 34-year-old's production. Santos missed his second field-goal attempt of 2026 in last weekend's loss to Green Bay, and the team hit pay dirt only once, marking a season-low in fantasy output for the veteran. Still, Santos should find better footing in Week 6 from the safety of Atlanta's dome. Furthermore, he'll benefit from softer competition. The Falcons have been more favorable to fantasy kickers and sport a susceptible secondary, which would bode particularly well for Chicago if quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) returns as expected. Despite a down week, Santos remains a stable option behind a high-powered offense, ranking as RotoBaller's K11 for his outing with the Falcons.--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN

Oct 17, 2026, 7:32 AM ET

Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn had another very solid week in Week 5 against the Titans, and he remains a strong starting option as he heads to London this week. He and the Texans will face the Jaguars at Wembley Stadium, which is typically a soccer pitch and has seen plenty of famous kicks over the years. Fairbairn is 11-for-12 on field goal attempts this season, including a perfect 7-for-7 in the last two weeks. He made a season-high four field goals last week against Tennessee, including one from over 50 yards. He is RotoBaller's No. 3 kicker this week, so he can be started with confidence in all formats based on his strong current form and favorable matchup in London.--Zach Thompson
Source: RotoBaller