Detroit Lions Jake Bates receives praise from NFL coaches and players

The Detroit Lions have given a standout UFL player a chance to challenge incumbent Michael Badgley before training camp begins.

However, due to an injury to Badgley, Jake Bates remained the only option for that position on the roster. Bates had an inconsistent training camp, but the Lions maintained their faith in the young kicker even before the season opener.

Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp reiterated his confidence in Bates on Thursday and stressed that he plans to remain patient in the event of potential difficulties.

“I have a great feeling about him. I'm really excited about him,” Fipp said. “He's one of the most talented players I know at that position. I think all the guys on the other teams watch him warm up and think, 'Oh my God. This guy is unbelievable.' He's got tremendous potential. So when you invest in a player and take a chance, you definitely want to do it with a guy who can turn out to be a really good player for you. I think we've got to be patient with him. There's a long history at that position that says a lot of these guys end up making their second or third team.”

The Lions' special teams coordinator noted that patience is a luxury that kickers not named Justin Tucker or Jake Elliott don't often enjoy. As a young kicker with little game experience, he will likely face ups and downs.

Bates made 6 of 7 field goal attempts in the Lions' three preseason games, including two 50-yard attempts, and also made the game-winning kick as time expired in his team's victory over the Chiefs.

Fipp described the kicker as “confident” and someone who needs to develop as a player. The Lions believe his potential is too great to pass up and are willing to stick with him even in difficult times.

Head coach Dan Campbell has also said he appreciates the young kicker's attitude and describes him as calm under pressure. This was evident in the comeback win against Kansas City when he fired the winning goal through the goalposts.

However, he also missed an extra point and a chip shot field goal over the course of three preseason games. While the Lions remain confident in his ability, he will ultimately have to do his part to convert opportunities.

Last season, the Lions started with Riley Patterson as kicker. Badgley was on the practice squad but ended the year as kicker after winning a multi-week competition in practice.

There is no kicker in the current training squad, but Bates will most likely face competition throughout the season and will therefore need to perform at his best.

“Well, I have to say that too, though, that he's got to do his part and make enough kicks and do his job well enough to stick around,” Fipp explained. “I definitely have a good feeling about him. In the preseason, we had two snappers that we worked with. I think it's going to help him settle in with one player there and help the other guys get into a rhythm. I think that's an important part of the position. So I think that's going to help him. We're obviously playing indoors 14 times this year, so that's going to help. Either way, I'm really excited about him.”