In the off-season, Zuerlein had back surgery, which led to him starting training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. He had back surgery in the past after being on injured reserve with the Los Angeles Rams in 2017.
The 34-year-old native of Nebraska has historically had one of the NFL’s strongest legs, but accuracy has occasionally been a problem. While playing for the Rams in 2019, he only made 72.7% of his field goal tries (24 of 33), but in 2020, he improved and made 82.9 percent (34 of 41).
Although he missed a 60-yard field goal late in the first half on Thursday, which is a difficult challenge for any kicker, the 31-yard miss was a critical error. He also failed to make the extra point in the Bucs’ two-point defeat.
With 1:29 remaining in the fourth quarter, Zuerlein almost became the game’s hero when he made a 48-yard field goal to put the Cowboys ahead 29-28.
In response, Tampa Bay put together an 11-play drive that ended with a game-winning field goal from 36 yards out by kicker Ryan Succop in the closing seconds.
Is Greg Zuerlein injured?
Due to discomfort in his toe, Zuerlein was unable to participate in practice on Wednesday, although it is not anticipated that he will be sidelined for an extended period of time as a result of this injury. The veteran kicker, who is now 34 years old, made all four of his field goal attempts at Monday’s practice, and his experience should give him a significant advantage in the competition for the role.