Gonzalez is the third kicker Atlanta has turned to this season.
Terrin Waack
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. Perhaps the third kicker's the charm.
The Atlanta Falcons surely hope so. They have been rather active in the special teams market this season, and they'd like that to end.
"You want what's best for the team," Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams said. " ... We are looking for a consistent presence at that position as throughout the whole NFL."
Longtime kicker Younghoe Koo made the initial 53-man roster. He earned the spot in training camp over rookie Lenny Krieg, who was placed on the practice squad. Koo needed to prove himself aftera rocky 2024 seasonin which he made a career-low 73.5% of his field goals and spent the last three weeks oninjured reserve due to a hip injury.
Unfortunately for Koo and the Falcons, he missed a game-tying 44-yard field goal in Week 1 that solidified the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' victory.
The Falcons immediatelybrought in competitionand ultimatelysigned kicker Parker Romoto the practice squad.
Romo made his Falcons debut in the Week 2 win against the Minnesota Vikings. He hit all five of his field-goal attempts.Koo was releasedin the aftermath, and Romo was signed to the active roster.
In seven games total, Romo was successful on 78.6% of his field goals. However, in Week 9, he missed a game-tying extra point in the Falcons' loss to the New England Patriots.
"We can't miss those kicks," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said.
On Tuesday, the Falconsreleased Romo.
On Wednesday, the Falconssigned kicker Zane Gonzalez, who was a part of the initial tryout crop.
"When they went out there to compete, it was a very tight battle," Morris said. "Zane was the elder statesman, and Parker was the younger statesman. We went with the younger statesman."
Prior to joining the Falcons, Romo had only ever kicked in four games all for the Vikings in 2024. Gonzalez, meanwhile, comes to Atlanta with six seasons of game experience under his belt.
In 69 career games, spent with four different teams, Gonzalez has made 80% of his field goals. He made five of his seven attempts last season for the Washington Commanders, whom he also joined in Week 10.
"He did a good job there," Williams said. "I thought he was calm. He plays with great poise. He has consistent technique. He has a strong leg. And he's played in clutch situations.
"He joined Washington when they were on their playoff run, and then when they got to the playoffs, he was 7-of-8 with making the game-winner to beat Tampa Bay."
It was a 37-yard field goal.
The Falcons need someone reliable in those high-stress situations. Koo used to be that guy. Romo showed potential but fell short. Now, it's Gonzalez's time to possibly shine Sunday as Atlanta plays the Indianapolis Colts at Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany.
"I'm friends with Koo. I'm friends with Romo. I know those guys really well," Gonzalez said. "So, you never root for anybody's downfall or bad situation. But at the end of the day, it's a business. I'm excited for an opportunity to come in here and perform."
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