The New England Patriots, again, are looking for a new kicker. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, kicker Nick Folk is out for their Week 13 “Sunday Night Football” bout with the Houston Texans.

Folk had an appendectomy that will knock him out for Week 13, per Rapoport, “but likely not more,” as the NFL insider said. It was done as a minimally invasive laparoscopically, which means a short recovery is in-bounds. Nonetheless, the Patriots will have to find a new kicker, starting their search on Thanksgiving day.

The Patriots will now look to find their fourth kicker of the 2019 season. Previously, Stephen Gostkowski was placed on the injured reserve for a hip injury. The team eventually signed Mike Nugent as his replacement, who was released for poor performance. Then came Folk.

New England's struggles with their kicking unit is an interesting turn of events. Previously, the team was consistent as can be at the position. Between 1996 and 2018, the Patriots switched through three kickers total. Now they are on their fourth in one season.

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For the Patriots, finding a new kicker on Thanksgiving day is going to be tough. Finding one on Friday, using Saturday to prep him for a game on Sunday and then trotting him out there is going to be tough. In reality, they may not field a kicker, considering their options and time limitations.

Punter Jake Bailey may be New England's kicker on Sunday. If so, the rookie from Stanford may just be on the field for extra points and chip-shot field goals. Even then, Bill Belichick and Co. may just opt to go for fourths and two-point conversions.

A less than ideal situation.