By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
As first reported by Jim McBride of the Boston Globe, the Patriots are placing kicker Stephen Gostkowski on injured reserve. (Update: The team has officially announced the move.)
Gostkowski becomes the fourth player the Patriots placed on IR during the season, joining wide receiver N’Keal Harry, left tackle Isaiah Wynn, and fullback James Develin. Because the Pats may only bring two players back from IR, two of the aforementioned names will have to miss the rest of the 2019 season.
Head coach Bill Belichick would not confirm reports that the Patriots held workouts with free-agent kickers, nor that he was bringing in “competition” for Gostkowski. Now, it’s known that they need a replacement.
Gostkowski had played in 149 consecutive games for the Patriots prior to his placement on IR, including playoffs. He missed eight games in 2010, during which the Patriots brought in veteran Shayne Graham.
Update: According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Gostkowski is dealing with a hip injury that will require season-ending surgery. So he is likely not going to be an option for the Patriots to bring off IR after all.
(Update: They have signed Mike Nugent to replace the injured Stephen Gostkowski.)
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.