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Why Patriots Might Use Practice Squad Elevation On Kicker Due To Loophole

The New England Patriots’ 2020 season opener is one day away, yet the team still doesn’t have a kicker on their 53-man roster.

Don’t be surprised if it stays that way on Sunday when the Patriots take on the Miami Dolphins at 1 p.m. ET.

Don’t get us wrong. The Patriots will have a kicker on their gameday roster, but New England might use a new rule in which they can temporarily elevate Nick Folk from their practice squad rather than signing the veteran kicker to their 53-man roster.

Here’s why: If Folk is added to the Patriots’ 53-man roster for Week 1, then his salary is guaranteed for the season since he would be eligible for termination pay as a vested veteran.