Chicago Bears’ Visit To New York Just Took A New Twist

The Chicago Bears have had to adjust to some unexpected roster issues through the first three weeks. That is nothing new in the NFL. However, sometimes it isn’t injuries that cause these disruptions. Off-the-field issues do as well. Such is the case with kicker Cairo Santos. He popped up on the injury report Thursday with a personal matter. That stretched into Friday as well. Some wondered if he might miss the Bears’ upcoming game in New York against the Giants.

Concerns were reinforced on Saturday when the Bears added veteran kicker Michael Badgley to the practice squad. That makes one think Santos could miss the game, putting the team’s field goal operation in a somewhat tricky spot. Sure enough, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune confirmed it mere hours after the announcement. Badgley spent time with two teams in 2021, first with the Tennessee Titans and then the Indianapolis Colts. He played well with the latter, going 18-of-21 on his field goal attempts.

#Bears K Cairo Santos did not travel with the team to New York. He is still questionable for Sunday’s game vs #Giants. Veteran Michael Badgley won the tryout Friday and was signed to the practice squad and added to the game day roster. So, good chance Badgley kicks tomorrow.

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) October 1, 2022

We have signed kicker Michael Badgley to the practice squad and elevated him to the active roster. @Hyundai | #DaBearshttps://t.co/5LjEXeTJz2

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 1, 2022

Chicago Bears are putting Badgley in a tough spot.

Not only will he have to learn how to mesh with holder Trenton Gill immediately, but he’ll also be taking on a challenging situation in MetLife Stadium. Initial weather projections call for rain and 16 mph winds. That means the playing surface will be slick, and the ball won’t sail straight. Badgley spent most of his career in perfect conditions like Los Angeles or a dome in Indianapolis. The good news is he’s a New Jersey native. He isn’t a stranger to east coast weather. Hopefully, it won’t be a huge issue.

Knowing this team, it’s hard not to expect the game will be put in his hands at some point. The Chicago Bears have played a tight score in two of their first three games. They just beat Houston last week on a last-second field goal. New York is another team built to run the ball and play defense. Kickers tend to gain more importance when two such teams meet since every point matters. Here is hoping the Bears chose well.