Detroit Lions Kicker Michael Badgley Out for Season Due to Injury

ALLEN PARK, Mich. – The Detroit Lions have announced that kicker Michael Badgley will miss the remainder of the season following a significant injury sustained during practice. According to sources, Badgley has suffered a torn hamstring and will be placed on injured reserve, with surgery anticipated. Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed his disappointment, stating, "We feel awful for Badge," highlighting Badgley’s hard work and readiness for the season. Badgley had an impressive performance prior to his injury, successfully converting all seven of his field goal attempts during the 2023 regular season and postseason. He was re-signed by the Lions in February after a standout season, where he achieved a remarkable 96.6% success rate on field goals from within 40 yards throughout his career. His contributions were recognized when he was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 13 of the 2022 season. In light of Badgley’s absence, the Lions will turn to Jake Bates, a former UFL kicker who signed a two-year contract in the offseason. The team has already conducted workouts to evaluate other kickers for training camp, but Campbell indicated that they are not rushing to make additional signings, as Bates is currently on the roster. The Lions are now faced with the challenge of filling the void left by Badgley, as they prepare for the upcoming season without their reliable kicker.