Stephen Gostkowski Out For Season
BOSTON (CBS) - The New England Patriots have placed kicker Stephen Gostkowski on the injured reserve list with a thigh injury, which means he's done for the season.
Gostkowski left the game Sunday in Cleveland and did not return.
"That's a bummer," Tom Brady said when reporters told him the news.
"He's been a hell of a player here and a great kicker. We've had a few guys put on IR this year that are really great, dependable players that have worked hard — Kevin (Faulk) and Ty Warren. He will be missed."
The Patriots have signed free-agent Shayne Graham to take Gostkowski's place. The six-foot, 214 pound Graham is a nine year NFL veteran, who most recently played six seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. He played one game for the Giants this season before being waived.
Graham has converted 196 of 230 field goals for an 85.2 field goal percentage, the fifth best in NFL history. He has made 280 of 283 extra points for 868 total points.
He stood in front his locker and took questions Wednesday.
"My goal is to come in here and perform at my best and perform well for the team and help us win games," Graham said. "I think the fact that I haven't been on a team for every game this year makes me a little hungry and makes me look forward to getting my career going on again."
Graham, who had been staying sharp by kicking on his own at Virginia Tech, said he kept a bag packed in case a team called.
This week, both the Lions and Patriots were seeking kickers, and Graham called the Patriots his best opportunity. The Pats like him because he was with the Bengals and they play in the AFC North.
Shayne has kicked a lot in Pittsburgh and that's who the Patriots play this weekend.
"Every goal post is the exact same dimension, that's the way I look at it," he said. "I have played on that field before, the turf conditions, the wind conditions, and every game is different. That's what pre-game is for – what wind patterns are like and get used to the footing – and you learn from it and make the best of it. All those times I've played there in years past are all good memories, but they don't really mean anything until you strap up your shoes and play this Sunday."
Reported by: Levan Reid, WBZ-TV
