Vikings veteran beats out rookie for key job
Well, one position battle is already over in Minnesota. With there being just one cutdown day now, it was expected that many decisions wouldn't be made until then. However, the Vikings clearly thought they had already seen enough from a couple of players. UDFA kicker Jack Podlesny has been waived, seemingly signaling that veteran Greg […]
Well, one position battle is already over in Minnesota.
With there being just one cutdown day now, it was expected that many decisions wouldn't be made until then. However, the Vikings clearly thought they had already seen enough from a couple of players.
UDFA kicker Jack Podlesny has been waived, seemingly signaling that veteran Greg Joseph will remain the kicker again in 2023.
What's interesting is that Podlesny saw no action in the team's first preseason game. Joseph, however, was perfect on two attempts and nailed his only extra point. One of the kicks that Joseph hit was a 54-yarder, perhaps showing range that the rookie did not have.
Podlesny did hit a few 50+ yarders in camp but apparently didn't show enough consistency to win the job.
Joseph, barring a late addition, appears poised to be the first kicker to spend three consecutive seasons as the starter in Minnesota since Blair Walsh from 2012-2016.
In 2022, Joseph hit 78.8% of his field goals and 87% of extra points. However, where Joseph excelled was in clutch time. The veteran kicker nailed five game-winning field goals for the Vikes in 2022, solidifying his status as one of the most clutch kickers in the league.
Vikings UDFA continues to earn reps with the first team
The rookie appears poised to carve out a role for himself on the 2023 Vikings.
Featured image via © Matt Krohn | 2023 Jan 15
