Kicker decision between Bass /Prater

[jcamm1966]

1 hour ago, BigAl2526 said:

The missed field goal was pretty brutal.  There is also the issue of Prater's age.  He's 41 years old, and if the Bills opted to go with him, it would likely be a short term solution only.  I don't think it is an easy decision at all for Buffalo.

 

Even Tiger sliced it once or twice.

[coloradobillsfan]

2 hours ago, BullBuchanan said:

Prater can nail it from 60. He gives us something Bass doesn't. It just might be the difference in winning a big game.

 

Interesting you'd say that considering Bass nailed a 61 yarder last year to beat the fins

[Rew]

Prater is our savior.  A wide right and wide left cancel out.  We're free!

[BillsShredder83]

Prater has left me feeling a helluva lot more steady.  The fact Prater is kicking well and Bass' job may be on the line, makes me even more nervous he'll be a headcase returning.

 

Praters miss was how far out though? Football reference only has a range, between 40-49yds.  The fact it was wildly off makes me a little more comfortable it was flukey.... hes obv been $$ in practice too, because McD didnt hesitate to bring him back out for a risky'ish kick. Came out and drilled a 47yd despite that miss.

 

I think we have a lot to potentially lose by releasing him and trying to get him on PS when Bass comes back.... I dont feel much of a risk letting Prater keep hitting the ball.  Worst case scenario, Prater crumbles, and Bass is protected on IR/getting 100% healthy.

 

We have this kicker 'hall pass' thats only valid if we use it!  Id be sick making the switch before Prater did something to make us!!!  Let Prater finish out year, next year we can try the Bass thing again (absolutely wouldnt have a 6th or 7th round swing again either!)

[WotAGuy]

10 hours ago, PromoTheRobot said:

People want perfection. You're not getting it.

 

The longest FG streak in NFL history is 44. No kicker is 100%.

And Prater couldn’t hit even 7 in a row. Get rid of the bum, but first let’s toss beer bottles at him like we did Booth Lustig. Another loser. 

[TH3]

18 hours ago, PayDaBill$ said:

Idk but that was a horrendous kick tonight 

Same outcome as missing by an inch

18 hours ago, The Gravytrain said:

Here's the deal with Prater. It's like golf. Prater plays a fade. Every kick fades. Almost all of his FGs and XPs have been a fade from the left hash mark. 

 

When Josh got sacked it was on the right side, but the refs marked it in the middle. So Prater, like a golfer, was thinking I can't fade. and he over cooked it.

 

That's all that was.

 

A guy thinking donlt push it right and he over compensated. 

Dreaded double cross… I think he came over the top 

[BullBuchanan]

1 hour ago, coloradobillsfan said:

 

Interesting you'd say that considering Bass nailed a 61 yarder last year to beat the fins

It must have been on 1 of his 4 attempts over 50 yards last year. You really showed me.

The last full season Prater played, he had 12.

[Billsfan1972]

If Prater is so good, why was he coaching in HS.  The NFL now expects kickers with a 60 yard leg 

[muddleman]

My only concern with Prater is later in the season when it is cold and windy will he be able to hit the target zone on kickoffs? 

[Ethan in Cleveland]

Unless you put Bass on season ending IR, this isn't even a discussion.  He's the kicker this year if he is healthy.

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

22 hours ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

I said when Prater came in for Bass and it's the same now, it's really simple - if Prater is streaking and Bass is ready, you just keep him on IR until if or when Prater proves to be a liability.

 

Can you do that or is that something the player can file a grievance if not made active.   I get it player doesn't want to rock the boat, but also one of these things the union watches and don't want to allow teams to get away with things like that.  

[NoName]

Anyone know when Bass’ I.r. Stint is over?  We are getting close to decision time.

[hondo in seattle]

Can I choose "None of the above?"

[Albany,n.y.]

36 minutes ago, NoName said:

Anyone know when Bass’ I.r. Stint is over?  We are getting close to decision time.

As long as he doesn't open the window by practicing, all season if necessary.  Best for the Bills to keep him on IR & not practicing with the team unless Prater starts to fail. There's always next season, although it would suck for Bass if he misses the entire season & Prater kicks the winner in the Super Bowl. 

[HamptonBillsfan]

No decision, Prater is our kicker until he misses important kicks. He’s been great so far and I don’t trust Bass coming off injury.

[sullim4]

This board will have a conniption if they elevate Bass while Prater is continuing to perform.

 

They are saying the politically expedient thing for two reasons - one, in case Prater somehow falls off a cliff production-wise, and two, to make it appear as though they aren't intentionally storing him on IR even though he may be healed.

 

If Prater is healthy and making his kicks, he's gonna stay through the end of the year.

[frostbitmic]

I trust Prater when he's lining up to kick, I'll say no more.

[That's No Moon]

On 9/19/2025 at 7:24 PM, Billsfan1972 said:

If Prater is so good, why was he coaching in HS.  The NFL now expects kickers with a 60 yard leg 

Because he's not the off-season solution you're looking for. That's the guy you draft or the UDFA you sign, or the street FA or got let go somewhere else. Prater is the solid veteran you call in Week 2 when you just need a guy to be reliable and not your long term solution.

 

60 yard leg is nice. For this team being reliable is probably better. Obviously you want both but I don't think you're arguing Bass is both, particularly with him being injured. Who knows what his leg is right now. I doubt 60+ and if he has to over swing now the accuracy is going to drop too.

Edited Tuesday at 10:20 PM by That's No Moon

[Steptide]

How long is bass under contract until? Prater has been pretty rock solid. Granted I don't think he's had that many long kicks, but I don't see how you let him walk. Putting bass back on the team just leaves a huge question mark at every kick 

[BillsShredder83]

1 hour ago, HamptonBillsfan said:

No decision, Prater is our kicker until he misses important kicks. He’s been great so far and I don’t trust Bass coming off injury.

You can delete the bolded, and its still true. Adding the injury and n9 way do i trust him in the most important season.

 

Ring out the rag of anything left in Prater, figure out the rest next year.