Falcons kick off a competitive audition to replace Younghoe Koo after a rough showing vs Tampa. Eddy Pineiro joined Flowery Branch workouts, with Parker Romo emerging as the frontrunner from tryouts that also included Zane Gonzalez, Michael Badgley and Ben Sauls. Romo’s past success with the Vikings (11-of-12 FG) and his Patriots stint during camp keep him in the mix as Koo rebounds. The coaching staff stresses high‑level competition to dial in the Week 1 plan.

The competition will run through the week, with Morris weighing in-practice form, consistency and low-adversity kicking adjustments. Fantasy managers should monitor all kicks, as a Romo win could shift Falcons’ FG opportunities and kicker volatility, while Koo remains the baseline until he proves a rebound.

The Falcons added kicker competition by adding John Parker Romo to their practice squad, aiming to back up Younghoe Koo after Week 1’s late miss. Romo, a Georgia native who flashed 11-of-12 field goals and 7-of-8 extra points in four games with Minnesota last season, also spent time with New England before his release. The team invited Zane Gonzalez, Michael Badgley and Ben Sauls to workouts as potential depth behind Koo. Koo, who was 2-for-3 on field goals in the season opener, has struggled notably over recent seasons, amplifying the push for a skilled alternative and insurance behind the Falcons’ kicking game.

The Detroit Lions have reaped the rewards of signing Jake Bates, who has been named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November. In his first year, Bates scored 41 points, converting all 17 extra points and 8 of 9 field goals, marking the first Lions kicker to earn this honor since Matt Prater in 2017.

Bates has been a standout performer, making two game-winning field goals and achieving a career-long 58-yard kick. Despite early struggles in training camp, he has proven to be a reliable asset for the team.