Patriots host free agent kicker for workout

For the last few weeks, the Patriots had been keeping a kicker on their practice squad in rookie Riley Patterson. However, Riley Patterson was signed by the Lions last week. Are the Patriots planning on filling is spot with the player he replaced in Detroit?

On Wednesday, the Patriots hosted free agent kicker Ryan Santoso for a workout as first reported by ESPN's Mike Reiss. Santoso was released by the Lions last week after they signed Patterson.

Santoso began the year with the New York Giants, but lost the battle for the starting kicking job in camp to veteran Graham Gano. He was traded to the Carolina Panthers before the start of the season, but then released after going 3-for-4 on kicks in Week 1.

He signed with Detroit's practice squad shortly after, and following an injury to starting kicker Austin Siebert, got to play in three games. In that stretch he hit 2-of-3 of his field goal attempts and went 5-of-6 on extra points, with both misses coming in a tie against the Steelers.

Santoso has been in the NFL since 2018, when he signed with the Lions as a UDFA out of Minnesota. He's also spent time with the Titans and the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes.

If the Patriots want to add Santoso, they have room on the practice squad. They have 13 players signed to the practice squad right now, leaving three spots open.

Alex Barth is a writer and 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. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.