In a move that has sent ripples through the NFL, the Buffalo Bills have secured veteran kicker Matt Prater to their active 53-man roster following his stellar performance in Week 1. The 41-year-old, who was initially a practice squad elevation for the season opener on September 7, 2025, proved his worth by nailing all five held kicks, including a game-winning field goal as time expired in a thrilling 41-40 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. This clutch performance not only earned Prater a game ball but also a coveted spot on Buffalo’s varsity squad, a decision that head coach Sean McDermott and the Bills’ front office made with urgency to avoid losing the veteran to other teams.
Prater’s signing to the active roster on Tuesday afternoon was a strategic masterstroke by the Bills, who recognized the risk of leaving such a proven talent vulnerable to being claimed off the practice squad. With the San Francisco 49ers recently waiving their kicker Jake Moody after a Week 1 loss, Prater was a prime target for teams in need of a reliable leg. The Bills, already thin at the position after placing kicker Tyler Bass on Injured Reserve, could ill afford to lose Prater. Fortunately, with only 52 players on their roster heading into the season, Buffalo was able to promote Prater without needing to make a corresponding move.
The veteran kicker’s performance against the Ravens was nothing short of spectacular. Going 3-for-3 on field goals, including a 57-yarder, Prater showcased the precision and poise that have defined his 18-year NFL career. With 410 career field goals and 81 successful kicks from 50+ yards, Prater brings a wealth of experience and reliability to a Bills team aiming to solidify its special teams unit. “I’m excited just to be a part of this. For however long I’m here, I’m really excited,” Prater said in the locker room after receiving a game ball on Sunday night, his enthusiasm reflecting the energy of a player far younger than his 41 years.
The Bills’ special teams transactions didn’t stop with Prater. In preparation for their Week 2 matchup against the New York Jets, Buffalo also made a change at punter, releasing Brad Robbins and signing Australian-born Cameron Johnston, who had been cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers in August after spending most of the 2024 season on Injured Reserve. These moves signal the Bills’ commitment to fine-tuning their roster as they head into a critical early-season divisional clash.
While Prater’s immediate impact has been undeniable, head coach Sean McDermott was quick to temper expectations about the long-term implications of the move. On Monday, McDermott praised Prater’s performance but emphasized that Tyler Bass remains a key part of the organization’s plans once he returns from injury. For now, however, Prater’s veteran presence provides stability and confidence to a Bills team that knows the importance of every point in a tightly contested AFC.
Prater’s journey to Buffalo’s active roster is a testament to his enduring skill and the Bills’ savvy roster management. By locking in a kicker who could have been snatched up by any number of teams, Buffalo has ensured that their special teams unit remains a strength as they prepare to face the Jets. With Josh Allen leading the offense and a defense looking to build on its Week 1 performance, Prater’s leg could prove to be the difference-maker in what promises to be a fiercely competitive season.