This year, the Patriots would be very thankful if they could find a steady kicker. As it turns out, it won't be easy.
According to CLNS Media, Patriots kicker Nick Folk underwent an appendectomy on Thursday morning and won't be available when the team plays the Houston Texans Sunday night.
The good news is that Folk will reportedly not be lost for the season. According to the NFL Network, the procedure "was done laparoscopically, minimally invasive, which should mean a short recovery time."
The Patriots will need to add a new kicker before Saturday at 4 p.m. They'll have to release someone from the 53-man roster to make room for the transaction.
Folk has made 7-of-9 field goals (77.8%) for the Patriots in three games. He's 3 for 3 on extra point attempts. Folk started a perfect 5-for-5 with the Patriots before missing two field goal attempts last Sunday, which saw inclement weather in the Pats win over Dallas.
This year, the Patriots have used three kickers total. After losing Stephen Gostkowski to a hip injury, the Pats signed Mike Nugent, who was released after making 62.5% of his field goals in three games.
The Patriots are scheduled to practice Thursday and one more session on Friday before leaving for Houston on Saturday.
