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Lions Sign New Kicker to Practice Squad

Brad Holmes expressed the team would add a veteran kicker to the roster.

John Maakaron

New Detroit Lions kicker Greg Joseph
New Detroit Lions kicker Greg Joseph / Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
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The Detroit Lions have reportedly signed kicker Greg Joseph to their practice squad.

After Michael Badgley was lost for the season, the team turned to Jake Bates and his booming leg to take on the duties of placekicking.

General manager Brad Holmes had previously indicated the team would likely make the decision to add a veteran to the practice squad, as team's typically want players to have competition on a weekly basis.

The 30-year-old recently had stints with the Titans, Buccaneers, Vikings and Packers. He served as the Vikings kicker from 2021-2023.

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In three seasons with Minnesota, he successfully made 83-of-101 field goals with a long of 61 yards.

After signing with the Packers this offseason, Detroit's NFC rival decided to go with rookie Brayden Narveson as their kicker.

Jake Bates on maintaining calm demeanor under pressure

Bates made a pair. of field goals in his debut with Detroit, including a 32-yarder that tied the score at 20-20 in the fourth quarter.

When asked postgame, the talented kicker expressed he tries to stay calm under pressure by reminding himself he is playing a game and to attempt to keep things as light as possible.

"It's so hard trying to stay calm in those moments," said Bates. "You just kind of remember who I am and and who the Lord says I am and just have fun. I mean, it's a kids game that we get to play as adults.

"It really doesn't get much better than playing football," Bates continued. "Kind of keeping that childlike joy playing and just having fun and enjoying it. And knowing that Hogan (Hatten) and Jack (Fox) are going to do their jobs to the highest tier. And so it's just up to me to do mine."

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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