On Football: The long and the longer of NFL placekicking
There was a time when NFL coaches only trusted their placekickers if all other options were exhaustedNOVEMBER 16, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
MASON CROSBY
Packers struggle to put away Jags, get by with 24-20 win
Aaron Rodgers threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score as the Green Bay Packers rallied for a 24-20 victory over the Jacksonville JaguarsNOVEMBER 15, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Puts up double digits Crosby made two field goals -- including one from 53 yards -- and four extra points in Thursday's victory over the 49ers.
Impact Crosby did not score more than six points in any of the Packers' previous four games, but he made every kick he attempted Thursday and had his most productive game in weeks. With his injury behind him and coming off a double-digit scoring effort, Crosby will be on the fantasy radar for Week 10, particularly with the Packers facing a Jaguars defense that is among the worst in the league in both points and yards allowed.
NOVEMBER 6, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Set for Week 9 Crosby (left calf/back) doesn't have a designation for Thursday's contest at San Francisco.
Impact Limited in practice this week by left calf and back injuries, Crosby nonetheless will be available for place-kicking duties, per usual. The Packers haven't lined up for a field-goal attempt since Week 6, so it'll be interesting to see if he'll be utilized as he was prior to the recent health concerns. On the season, Crosby has hit all nine of his field goals and is 24-for-25 on PATs through seven games.
NOVEMBER 4, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Limited in practice again Crosby (left calf/back) was listed as a limited participant in Tuesday's walk-through practice, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.
Impact Crosby played through both injuries in this past Sunday's loss to the Vikings, so a second straight day with a limited tag bodes well for his availability Thursday against the 49ers. The 36-year-old kicker didn't attempt a field goal in either of Green Bay's last two games, but he added seven extra points between those matchups.
NOVEMBER 3, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Limited Monday Crosby (back/calf) was listed as a limited participant on Monday's estimated injury report.
Impact Crosby played Sunday after dealing with the back and calf issues all week, but he was only called upon for a pair of PATs during the windy contest. The 36-year-old's availability for Thursday's game against San Francisco doesn't appear to be in doubt, but he's kicked only two field goals over the past four games.
NOVEMBER 2, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Tallies just two points Crosby made two extra points in Sunday's 28-22 loss to the Vikings.
Impact Crosby took the field Sunday despite dealing with calf and back injuries last week, but on a windy day and in a game in which the Packers had just eight total drives, he only got two chances to score and finished with a season-low two points. Had the weather been calmer he could have gotten a shot to kick a long field goal or two and add another extra point, but according to head coach Matt LaFleur, via Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Packers elected to keep the offense on the field in those situations because of the wind. While Crosby did not handle kickoffs Sunday, his health doesn't appear it should be of much concern to fantasy players. His production should be, though, as he put up an average of just 4.3 points on the scoreboard over his last four games.
NOVEMBER 2, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Suiting up Sunday Crosby (calf/back) is active for Sunday's game against the Vikings.
Impact A cloud hung over Crosby this week due to left calf and back injuries, which didn't allow him to practice Wednesday or Thursday. He wrapped up the week with some kicks in Green Bay's indoor facility, and while he was tabbed as questionable by the Packers, the team opted not to bring in a placekicker by Saturday afternoon's deadline, indicating he was ready for his usual duties. Indeed, Crosby is available Sunday, with punter JK Scott on hand as an emergency option. However, with gusty conditions at Lambeau Field, it bears wondering whether Crosby will get many chances to split the uprights.
NOVEMBER 1, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
In line to kick Sunday Crosby (calf/back) is in line to kick Sunday after the Packers chose not to sign a kicker to the active roster, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.
Impact Crosby didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, but the fact the Packers opted not to bring in another kicker seems like a good omen entering Sunday. Should Crosby encounter any sort of lingering affects from his calf or back injuries, JK Scott would act as the team's emergency kicker.
OCTOBER 31, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
After 214 consecutive games, Mason Crosby questionable for Sunday’s game against Vikings Battling a calf injury to his plant leg as well as a back injury, the veteran was able to kick Friday during practice — his first work this...
OCTOBER 31, 2020 • OLEANTIMESHERALD.COM
Packers injury report: 7 questionable vs. Vikings, including Mason Crosby, David Bakhtiari The Packers ruled out Aaron Jones and Kevin King and listed 7 others, including K Mason Crosby and LT David Bakhtiari, as questionable.
OCTOBER 30, 2020 • USATODAY.COM
Status in question for Sunday Crosby (calf/back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
Impact Crosby sat out Wednesday and Thursday due to a combination of back and left calf injuries, but he returned Friday in a limited capacity. His activity was contained to kicking indoors at Green Bay's facility, after which coach Matt LeFleur told Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com that the Packers will "wait it out and see how he feels tomorrow (Saturday), and then we'll have to make a decision." If Crosby eventually is ruled out, LaFleur likely will turn to Nick Vogel, who worked out for the team earlier this week, at kicker.
OCTOBER 30, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Vikings hurting at CB vs. Packers, who rule out RB Jones
The Minnesota Vikings could be without three of their top four cornerbacks on Sunday at Green Bay, an ominous sign for facing Aaron RodgersOCTOBER 30, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
What might Packers do if Mason Crosby's consecutive games streak ends? The Packers have a plan in place if Crosby is unable to play against the Vikings.
OCTOBER 30, 2020 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Misses another practice Crosby (calf/back) was listed as a non-participant at Thursday's practice.
Impact According to Olivia Reiner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Crosby was in attendance for Thursday's practice, but he didn't join the Packers' other specialists and instead performed an individual workout. The Packers thus far haven't made a roster move in anticipation of a potential Crosby absence this weekend against Minnesota, but Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes that free agent Nick Vogel would likely be signed Saturday if Crosby can't go. Friday's injury report will reveal whether Crosby was able to return to practice and/or if he'll carry a designation into the weekend.
OCTOBER 29, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Packers' Rodgers, Adams to challenge young Vikings CBs again
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and receiver Davante Adams are coming off big performances in a 35-20 victory over the Houston TexansOCTOBER 28, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Packers News: Mason Crosby a doubt for Week 8 with injury Packers kicker Mason Crosby is on the injury report. Longtime Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby is a doubt for Sunday's game against the...
OCTOBER 28, 2020 • LOMBARDIAVE.COM
Dealing with two injuries Crosby did not practice Wednesday due to calf and back injuries, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.
Impact Crosby will almost certainly need to resume practicing in some capacity to suit up for Sunday's game against the Vikings. Green Bay doesn't currently have a kicker on the practice squad, so if the team signs one in free agency it could be a sign that Crosby is trending in the wrong direction.
OCTOBER 28, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Limited to extra points Crosby converted all five of his extra-point opportunities but did not attempt a field goal in Sunday's victory over the Texans.
Impact The Packers' offense had no trouble finding the end zone when they were on the Texans' half of the field, which prevented Crosby from even trying a field goal for the first time this season. The 15 points Crosby put on the scoreboard over the last three games did not provide much help for fantasy players, but those considering cutting bait should at least make note of the fact the Packers' Week 8 opponent -- the Vikings -- have yielded the most points to opposing kickers.
OCTOBER 26, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Puts up season-low four points Crosby made a 39-yard field goal and the lone extra point he attempted in Sunday's loss to the Buccaneers.
Impact Crosby put four points on the board in the first quarter of Sunday's contest, but like the rest of the Packers' offense he was shut out the rest of the way. Crosby reached double figures in each of the Packers' first three games, but he scored a total of just 10 points over the team's last two contests. Both Crosby and the Packers' offense will have a chance to bounce back in Week 7 against a Texans team that allowed at least 28 points in all but one of its first six games.
OCTOBER 19, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Fantasy POV: Kickers – 1st Quarter report card and week 5 picks The first quarter of the 2020 NFL season is over, so it is time to pass out awards to fantasy football placekickers. The winners include Ma...
OCTOBER 11, 2020 • FANSIDED.COM
First missed attempt this season Crosby made a 48-yard field goal and went 3-for-4 on extra-point attempts in Monday's victory over the Falcons.
Impact The errant extra point was Crosby's first missed kick of any type this year, and although he made the rest of his attempts and the Packers put up 30 points, he finished with a season-low six points. Crosby's 40 points ranks third among kickers after four weeks, but he and the Packers have a bye in Week 5, and he will not have the matchup in his favor coming out of it, as Green Bay will square off against a Tampa Bay defense that allowed opposing kickers to make just three field goals and seven extra points between Weeks 2 and 4.
OCTOBER 6, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Mennenga on Mason Crosby: 'He's a great resource' Special teams coordinator Shawn Mennenga commented on the value that Crosby brings to the specialists as the veteran leader of the group.
OCTOBER 2, 2020 • PACKERS.COM
McGinn's Grading the Packers: Offense keeps rolling, missed tackles hurt defense The three stars of the game against the Saints were Aaron Rodgers, Mason Crosby and David Bakhtiari.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Continues piling up points Crosby made all three field goals and all four extra points he attempted in Sunday's victory over the Saints.
Impact The Packers lead the league in scoring, pending the results of the Monday night battle between the Ravens and Kansas City, and that has paid big dividends for Crosby. He put a season-high 13 points on the scoreboard Sunday and has reached double figures in all three contests. It certainly does not hurt that he has been perfect thus far, making all seven of his field-goal attempts -- including four from 40 yards or beyond -- and all 13 of his extra-point tries.
SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
