The Indianapolis Colts have a new kicker or at least some competition for Adam Vinatieri.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Colts claimed Chase McLaughlin off of waivers on Wednesday. The San Francisco 49ers released the kicker on Tuesday with starter Robbie Gould recently regaining his health.
The #Colts have claimed K Chase McLaughlin off waivers, a player they were poised to add to their practice squad a few weeks ago until the #49ers jumped in to sign him. Some insurance for Adam Vinatieri.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 4, 2019
It appears as if, at the minimum, McLaughlin is insurance for the struggling Vinatieri. However, one would have to wonder if the Colts decide to part ways with the 46-year-old outright, as carrying two kickers on a 53-man roster is rare. If Vinatieri were to be released, one could expect interest in him, particularly from the New England Patriots, who are currently practicing without a kicker and are familiar with Vinatieri — who spent 10 years in New England.
McLaughlin went 7 of 8 on field goals in San Francisco, while also making all his extra points. His miss, however, was a big one, as he shanked a field goal to beat the Seattle Seahawks on “Monday Night Football.” But, he did make the kick to force them into overtime.
McLaughlin, a rookie from Illinois, started his season with the Los Angeles Chargers. In doing so, he made 6 of 9 field goals attempts while also drilling in all seven extra points.
In a corresponding move, the Colts released tight end Matt Lengel.
Whether or not the Colts decide to roll with two kickers or use McLaughlin as Vinatieri's replacement should be interesting. The Colts, at 6-6, are entering must-win territory to make the playoffs. Vinatieri's inconsistency may not be ideal.
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