The New England Patriots are placing Stephen Gostkowski on injured reserve, according to the Boston Globe’s Jim McBride.
Gostkowski was absent from practice on Wednesday, and the team is reportedly slated to work out free agent kickers on Wednesday afternoon. Gostkowski is 7 of 8 on field goals this year but has missed four extra points. Per NFL rules, Gostkowski is eligible to return to practice after six weeks and to game action after eight weeks. The severity of Gostkowski’s injury is unknown.
The Patriots will be without Gostkowski for the first time since 2010, when he went on IR at midseason. Kicker Shayne Graham was 12 of 12 in relief of Gostkowski that season. Aside from those two, Adam Vinatieri has been the Patriots’ only other kicker under Bill Belichick.
Punter Jake Bailey could serve as the team’s kickoff specialist, though he’s not capable of handling the PAT and field goal duties. The Patriots will have to sign someone to fill those roles.
