NFL Player News

The competition between Koehn and Kai Forbath for Minnesota's kicking job remains close, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Koehn converted an extra point, but did not attempt a field goal in Minnesota's first preseason game.

Koehn is seen having more leg strength than Forbath, which gives him the edge on kickoffs. However, it's hard to see the Vikings giving the job to Koehn, who hasn't kicked in regular-season NFL game, over a veteran. Plus, Forbath made all 15 field-goal attempts last season. Still, it sounds like this job battle may not be decided until late in training camp.

Gonzalez made all five of his field-goal attempts during Tuesday's practice, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Gonzalez was drafted in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft in order to compete with incumbent Cody Parkey, but while the rookie had a stronger day than his competitor on Tuesday, Parkey still has the upper hand. The next few preseason games should paint a clearer picture as to whom will win the job.

Hocker signed a contract with the Buccaneers on Sunday, ESPN's Jenna Laine reports.

After a round of tryouts with other kickers to replace the departed Roberto Aguayo, Hocker evidently came out on top and will provide the Bucs with an extra leg for the preseason. However, he likely faces long odds of uprooting Nick Folk prior to Week 1.

Santos (groin) isn't expected to play in Friday's preseason contest against the 49ers, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

A groin injury has conspired to hold Santos out of the preseason opener, pushing Sam Ficken into a featured role for the time being. Once healthy, Santos will resume his role as the unquestioned kicker in Kansas City.

Barth made his lone field-goal attempt while converting a pair of extra-point attempts Thursday against the Broncos.

Barth's field goal was a 25-yard chip shot, as he had a quiet night in the preseason opener. Since he enters the season on an offense that's not expected to be explosive, he'll likely be an uninspiring fantasy option.

Butker made a 51-yard field goal and his lone extra point en route to four points in Wednesday's preseason game against the Texans.

Butker watched Graham Gano handle Carolina's starting kicking duties, but considering Gano missed a 50-yard attempt, the rookie seventh-rounder's 51-yard make should help close the gap in the Panthers' kicking competition.

Gano made one of his two field-goal attempts and both of his extra points en route to five points in Wednesday's preseason game against the Texans.

Gano made good from 45 yards but hit the left upright on a 50-yard try to end Carolina's opening drive. After Gano's night was finished, he watched rookie Harrison Butker drain a 51-yard attempt, which should heat up the Panthers' kicking competition.

Tucker hasn't been as consistent as usual during training camp this year, Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Tucker had a 43-yard miss wiped out by a penalty in Thursday's preseason opener against Washington, but then quieted any concerns by drilling a 59-yarder at the end of the first half. He's locked in as one of the top options at his position -- the rare kicker good enough to achieve that status without being tied to a prolific offense. Tucker's slow start to training camp isn't a major concern at this point.

Coons signed with the Rams on Thursday, Mark Bodenrader of the team's official site reports.

Coons played in Cleveland in 2015 -- making 28 of 32 field goals and 22 of 24 extra points -- and was out of the league altogether last season. He's likely in camp to serve as nominal competition for five-year starter Greg Zuerlein, as well as to preserve the latter's leg in practices and preseason games. Consider Coons a long shot to make the roster.

Folk had a poor showing in Monday's practice, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The veteran missed on an attempt on the set of narrower goal posts that the Bucs have in camp, clanging it off the left upright. He also misfired while using the regulation goal posts, although if there was one saving grace for Folk, it was that his competition for kicking duties, Roberto Aguayo, seemed to have an equally poor performance. The rough session from both kickers prompted coach Dirk Koetter to emphasize with reporters that attempts under 50 yards should be virtually automatic for NFL kickers, while also remarking that he hopes to be able to declare a winner in the competition before the final roster cutdown. The battle between Folk and Aguayo will ultimately play out over preseason action, with the one concern being whether there will be sufficient field-goal opportunities for both players to stake their claim to the gig.