NFL Player News

Gay will serve as the Rams' kicker Monday at Tampa Bay, Stu Jackson of the team's official site reports.

Gay is making his season debut and will be the third kicker used by the Rams on the campaign. He joined L.A. last week in the wake of Kai Forbath (ankle) landing on injured reserve, but the question remained whether the team would elevate Austin MacGinnis from the practice squad instead. It has opted not to, leaving Gay to handle kicking duties in Week 12. Last season, Gay hit 27 of 35 field-goal attempts and 43 of 48 point-after tries as a member of the Bucs.

Coach Mike McCarthy believes Zuerlein (back) will be available Thursday against Washington, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports. "He looks to be OK. He was here today," McCarthy said Monday. "I don't see him being in jeopardy of (not) playing on Thursday."

Zuerlein tweaked his back during this past Sunday's win at Minnesota at the end of a kickoff. The injury caused the kicker to be listed as limited on Monday's estimated practice report, putting him on track to uphold McCarthy's prediction. Zuerlein will have two more chances to prove his health before the Cowboys either clear him or give him a designation for Week 12.

Hopkins (groin) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's practice estimate, Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Hopkins missed the first two practices of the week prior to suiting up for this past Sunday's win over the Bengals. He should be fine again this week. His performance is a larger concern than his health, as he's connected on just 14 of 20 field-goal attempts (70 percent) this season. If Hopkins disappoints in Thursday's game against the Cowboys, Washington could look to make a change with 10 days until its next game.

Zuerlein (back) was listed as a limited participant on Monday's practice estimate, Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

At this time, there's no real concern about Zuerlein's availability for Thursday's game against Washington. The Cowboys don't have a backup kicker on the active roster or the practice squad, so punter Hunter Niswander likely would take over the starting duties if Zuerlein did sit out.

McLaughlin made his lone field-goal attempt during Sunday's 27-3 loss to the Steelers.

The 24-year-old converted from 41 yards out to cap Jacksonville's opening drive, which ended up being the team's only points of the afternoon against a strong Pittsburgh defense. The game against the Browns next week certainly provides a better matchup, but the inconsistency of the Jaguars offense severely limits any fantasy potential. McLaughlin has made both PATs and all three field-goal attempts through two games this season.

Zuerlein connected on a 19-yard field goal and converted two of three extra-point attempts in Sunday's win over the Vikings.

His PAT on the first of four Dallas touchdowns on the day was blocked, which eventually cost Zuerlein two points as the Cowboys then went for a two-point conversion later in the game to make up for it. The veteran kicker has now missed three of 21 FG attempts and three of 20 extra points, and with the team's offense being just as erratic, Zuerlein remains a risky fantasy option heading into a Week 12 clash with Washington.

Boswell converted on two of his three field-goal attempts while making all three extra-point tries in Sunday's 27-3 win over the Jaguars.

Boswell was perfect on his field-goal attempts this year heading into Sunday's contest, but he missed a 45-yard attempt wide left during the first quarter. However, he bounced back and converted on the rest of his five kicks against Jacksonville, including attempts from 44 and 47 yards. The Steelers face the Ravens on Thursday, and Baltimore has been the stingiest defense against opposing kickers this season.

Folk made both field-goal attempts and both extra-point tries in Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Texans.

Folk has now connected on 17 straight field-goal attempts dating back to Week 2, eight of which came from beyond 40 yards. The 36-year-old has shaped up as a consistent fantasy asset, too, as he's tried at least two field goals in five of the last six games.

Hopkins made two of three field-goal attempts and both extra-point tries in Sunday's 20-9 win over the Bengals.

Hopkins shook off a groin injury and was able to play in Week 11. It was another uninspiring effort by the 30-year-old kicker, however, as he's now made just 14 of 20 field-goal tries this year, so questions about his job security continue to loom large. Perhaps this will be the last straw, but Washington escaping with a win may cover up Hopkins' blemishes.

Blankenship made four of five field-goal attempts and both extra-point tries in Sunday's 34-31 overtime win against the Packers.

Three field goals in the second half helped the Colts overcome an 11-point halftime deficit and force overtime, and the rookie kicker connected on his fourth of the day from 39 yards in the extra period to secure the team's seventh win of the year. The rookie kicker is now tied with Daniel Carlson for the league high in points (94), and he won't kick in an outdoor setting until Week 16.