Bates went 2-for-2 on field-goal attempts and converted both of his extra-point attempts Sunday against the Rams.
Bates was perfect in his NFL debut, nailing both of his field-goal tries from 25 yards and 32 yards in Detroit's victory. The kicker was thrust into a starting role after Michael Badgley (hamstring) sustained a season-ending injury in August, and he's in a favorable position for fantasy value with the Lions' high-scoring offense.
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Lions' Jake Bates: Hits field goal in preseason opener
Rotowire
Bates made his only field-goal attempt in Thursday's 14-3 loss to the Giants.
Bates was able to capitalize on his only opportunity Thursday, nailing a 53-yard field goal to give the Lions an early 3-0 lead. The 25-year-old signed with Detroit in June, and he appears to be the featured kicker with the team in 2024 after expected starter Michael Badgley (hamstring) suffered a season-ending injury.
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Lions' Jake Bates: Officially signs with Detroit
Rotowire
Bates officially signed a two-year contract with the Lions on Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Presumably the contract is structured in such a way that the Lions could move on during training camp if Bates isn't able to replicate his trademark leg strength throughout the preseason, but the two-year deal is notable because NFL vagabonds Michael Badgley and James Turner are also on the roster. The Lions will hope Bates can replicate the success of spring football sensation Brandon Aubrey, who parlayed an excellent performance in the USFL into a record-setting rookie campaign with the Cowboys in 2023. Potentially playing in the comfy confines of Ford Field and being situated in a high-powered Detroit offense, Bates could be an immediate fantasy difference maker.
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Texans' Jake Bates: Signs with Houston
Rotowire
The Texans signed Bates on Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Bates worked out for the Texans on Saturday as part of the team's local prospect day and impressed enough to earn a deal. The Arkansas product will attempt to push Ka'imi Fairbairn, who has been Houston's kicker since 2017 and connected on 94 percent of his field-goal attempts a year ago.
