Lions Lose Key Member Of Team For Entire 2024 Season

Badgley Goes Down

The Detroit Lions are facing a significant setback with the loss of kicker Michael Badgley. Badgley will miss the entire 2024 season after suffering a torn hamstring in practice that will require surgery, forcing the Lions to place him on injured reserve.

"We feel awful for Badge," Lions head coach Dan Campbell said, per ESPN. "He worked his tail off to get ready for this season. He was having a good spring and was ready for camp. It's tough."

Badgley was a standout performer last season with remarkable consistency and accuracy. He converted all seven of his field goal attempts throughout the 2023 regular season and postseason. He was also 13 of 15 on extra points in the regular season and made all 11 extra points in the postseason. His absence leaves a notable gap in the special teams unit, raising concerns about the team's ability to maintain scoring efficiency and reliability in close games.

The Lions will ask former UFL star Jake Bates, who they signed to a two-year contract in June, to fill Badgley's role. Bates played with the Michigan Panthers in the spring, where he showcased his leg by connecting on 21 of his 28 field goals, including three from at least 60 yards. It's likely Detroit will sign another kicker to serve as Bates' backup before the season starts, but Campbell said the team isn't in any rush.

While losing Badgley is a big blow, it shouldn't be significant enough to deter fans from supporting the Lions this upcoming season. Detroit is favored to win the NFC North (+135) and has the second shortest odds to win the NFC (+550) behind the 49ers.