Watch CBS News

Report: Lions Work Out Veteran Kickers Rob Bironas, Alex Henery, Garrett Hartley

By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak

CBS DETROIT - Detroit Lions rookie kicker Nate Freese has whiffed on three of his first five field goal attempts, including two in Sunday's road game against the Carolina Panthers.

Freese said he cannot worry about whether the Lions bring in other kickers to try out, and Lions head coach Jim Caldwell said he still believes in Freese.

Caldwell often emphasizes that the Lions work out players regularly at various positions, constantly working to become familiar with available players in case injuries or poor performance lead to an open spot on Detroit's roster.

All those considerations aside, it might not bode well for Freese that the Lions reportedly worked out three veteran kickers Tuesday.

Rob Bironas, a nine-year veteran, has spent his entire career with the Tennesse Titans. He has converted on 85.7 percent of his field goal attempts in his career, and in 2013, Bironas made 25 of 29.

Alex Henery, entering his fourth NFL season, spent the last three years with the Philadelphia Eagles and has converted on 86 percent of his field goal attempts. His percentage has fallen each season, however, and he made 23 of 28 for the Eagles in 2013.

Garrett Hartley, formerly of the New Orleans Saints, has converted on 81.2 percent of his field goal attempts and enters his sixth season coming off the worst season of his career. He made just 22 of 30 attempts in 2013.

The Lions took Freese with their seventh-round pick this year.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.