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Bills Sign 41-Year-Old to Practice Squad Ahead of NFL Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 1:22 PM ET

The Buffalo Bills made a notable roster move Thursday morning, signing veteran kicker Matt Prater to their practice squad.

The 41-year-old, who last played for the Arizona Cardinals, joins Buffalo as insurance for starting kicker Tyler Bass, who has been managing hip and groin issues since late July and was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice ahead of the team’s Week 1 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

The signing comes after a month in which Bass’ availability fluctuated. While he appeared in the preseason finale, the lingering nature of his injury prompted the Bills to secure an experienced backup option.

Prater, wearing No. 15, will be available for elevation to the active roster if Bass is unable to go on Sunday night.

Roster moves:

- Signed DB Sam Franklin Jr. to the active roster from the practice squad

- Signed K Matt Prater to the practice squad (#15)

- Placed DT DeWayne Carter on Injured Reserve.

More info on Franklin & Prater ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Fv89r66jNa
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) September 4, 2025

Prater enters his 19th NFL season with one of the most accomplished resumés among active kickers:

Career Field Goals: 407 made on 487 attempts (83.6%), 13th all-time in career field goals made.
50+ Yard Field Goals: 81 made, an NFL record for most from that distance.
Longest Field Goal: 64 yards (2013, then an NFL record).
Extra Points: 587 made on 603 attempts (97.3%).
Games Played: 254 career games across stints with the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions and Cardinals.
Pro Bowls: Two selections (2013, 2016).
Recent Form: In 2024, appeared in four games for Arizona, going 6-for-6 on field goals (long of 57 yards) and 10-for-10 on extra points before a torn meniscus ended his season in Week 5.

Prater spent the last four seasons with the Cardinals, where he converted 86-of-101 field goal attempts (85.1%) and remained one of the league’s most reliable long-distance specialists. His career also includes a Super Bowl appearance with the Denver Broncos in 2013.

Why Buffalo Moved Now

Bass, the Bills' starting kicker since 2020, has been a consistent performer but has been hampered by pelvic soreness and lower-body injuries throughout August. While Buffalo briefly carried another kicker, Caden Davis, during training camp, it entered this week without a backup on the roster.

With the season opener just days away and Bass’ status uncertain, the Bills opted for a proven veteran rather than an untested option. Prater’s track record in high-pressure situations, including extensive postseason experience, made him an ideal emergency signing.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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