Jake Bates continues roller coaster kicking experience vs. Chiefs

After Michael Badgley's season-ending injury, it seemed like a formality the Detroit Lions would sign a second kicker. Maybe to just get through camp and three preseason games, or maybe as genuine competition for Jake Bates. The four kickers they in for a workout right after Badgley's injury definitely were on the "camp leg" side. About a week into being the only kicker on the roster, Bates invited questions about his status as he had to have pushed the Lions toward possibly signing another kicker. But head coach Dan Campbell told reporters that Bates was told he would get a chance to respond, and in the preseason opener against the Giants he made a 53-yard field goal in rainy conditions. Bates followed that with good practice days last Sunday and Monday, appearing to take hold of the job. Lions' special teams coach Dave Fipp had a reasonable explanation for why a second kicker hasn't been brought in. Essentially, not unlike Hendon Hooker at quarterback, Bates needs the reps. "I think a lot of it is repetiti