Jets holding kicker tryouts with Greg Zuerlein’s days likely numbered

It looks like Greg Zuerlein’s time as the Jets kicker could be coming to an end. 

The Jets will be holding kicker tryouts Tuesday at MetLife Stadium, interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said Monday. 

“We’re going to take them out to the stadium, and we’ll make a decision by Thursday to see what’s best for the team,” Ulbrich said. 

Greg Zuerlein misses an extra point during the Jets’ loss to the Patriots on Oct. 27, 2024. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

It’s been a rough year for the 36-year-old Zuerlein.

In Sunday’s three-point loss to the Patriots, he missed an extra point and a 44-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.

He has missed six field goals in all this season, the most of any kicker in the league. 

“We’re exploring all the options right now,” Ulbrich said when asked what the kicker tryout means for Zuerlein. “We really are. So we’re going to bring the kickers in for a workout, see where they stand and make a decision after that.” 

A couple of weeks ago, the Jets brought in three kickers for tryouts after a loss to the Bills, but they stuck with Zuerlein.

That scenario is unlikely to repeat itself. 

Jets place kicker Greg Zuerlein (9) reacts after missing the kick against the New England Patriots in the second half at Gillette Stadium. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con


The Jets’ issues on offense getting plays off on time range from players needing more of an urgency getting out of the huddle to knowing where they are supposed to line up with more certainty, according to Ulbrich.

They were called for a crucial delay of game penalty as they were attempting to go for a two-point conversion up five points late in the fourth quarter.

They were also forced to burn a few timeouts earlier in the game to avoid delay of game penalties. 

“All of our pre-snap stuff from an offense perspective has to improve,” Ulbrich said. 


On Sunday, Ulbrich opted against going for it on fourth-and-1 from the Patriots 11-yard line with the Jets trailing by two midway through the third quarter. 

“I just wanted the points, in all honesty,” Ulbrich said. “I wanted the points, I wanted an opportunity to take the lead, I felt like the defense was playing good football at that point, and I was going to put it in their hands.” 

Jeff Ulbrich looks on during the Jets’ loss to the Patriots on Oct. 27, 2024. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con


Safeties Tony Adams (hamstring) and Ashtyn Davis (concussion), defensive lineman Leki Fotu (knee), receiver Allen Lazard (chest), offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) and linebackers C.J. Mosley (neck) and Chazz Surratt (heel) did not take part in Monday’s walk-through. 

Mosley underwent an MRI and will be seeing a neck/spine specialist.

His status for Thursday’s game against the Texans is uncertain. The same goes for Lazard. 

Defensive end Haason Reddick (neck) was on the injury report, but Ulbrich attributed that more to first-game soreness.

He was listed as limited Monday, as was quarterback Aaron Rodgers (knee, hamstring), cornerback Michael Carter II (back), defensive linemen Quinnen Williams (ankle) and Will McDonald IV (shoulder) and offensive linemen Morgan Moses (knee), Tyron Smith (rest) and Jake Hanson (thumb). 

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