Jets lose kicker Greg Zuerlein before Cowboys game

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greg zuerlein jets kicker — Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets already were rocked by the injury to quarterback Aaron Rodgers. And now kicker Greg Zuerlein is out for the game against the Cowboys.

Zuerlein strained his groin during Thursday’s practice. By Friday, he was listed as 50-50 to play Sunday. And on Saturday, the Jets ruled him out for the game. But the team did start trying to find plan B, working out three kickers as well as punter Ty Long.

Coach Robert Saleh opted to go with veteran Austin Seibert after also trying out Caleb Shudak and Matthew Wright. Seibert is the former kicker/punter from Oklahoma who the Browns selected in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. But he’s found it difficult to stick with teams since then. He’s been on the rosters of the Browns, Bengals and Lions. He played in three games for Detroit a year ago, making three of five field goals while converting all 12 of his extra point attempts.

Austin Seibert last kicked for the Lions. The Jets signed him after trying out two other kickers Friday to replace an injured Greg Zuerlein. (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

Greg Zuerlein kicked 3 field goals in Jets win over Bills

Greg Zuerlein helped a great deal in the Jets 22-16 victory over the Bills to open the season. He made all three of his field goal attempts during a game where points were difficult to earn. Zuerlein joined the Jets last season and then earned another year for 2023. He was 30 of 37 in his field goal attempts, with a long of 60 yards. That broke the franchise record.

And if you’re a Cowboys fan, you know Greg Zuerlein. He kicked for Dallas in 2020 and 2021.

Of course, anyone who watches the NFL knows that the Jets were gutted by one major injury. Aaron Rodgers suffered a complete tear of his left Achilles on the fourth offensive snap against the Bills. So he won’t be making the trip to AT&T Stadium. Rather, Rodgers underwent surgery in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

Running back Breece Hall also could be limited against the Cowboys. He’s listed as questionable with a knee issue. Hall, who is in his second year, rushed for 127 yards against the Bills. That was the second best performance of any league running back during opening weekend. Christian McCaffrey topped all backs with 152 yards.