Matt Prater Poised to Make History as Buffalo Bills’ Oldest Player in Week 1 Against Ravens
The Buffalo Bills are entering the new season with a notable change in their kicking game. With Tyler Bass placed on Injured Reserve for at least the first four weeks of the season, the team has turned to veteran kicker Matt Prater to fill the void. Earlier this week, the Bills signed Prater to their practice squad, anticipating this shift. He will need to be elevated to the active roster ahead of the highly anticipated Sunday Night Football matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
Historic Milestone for Prater
When Prater takes the field, he will not only be stepping into a crucial role for the Bills but also etching his name in the franchise’s history books. As confirmed by beat reporter Alex Brasky, Prater will become the oldest player ever to don a Bills uniform, a remarkable achievement that underscores his longevity in the league.
Age is Just a Number
At 41 years old, Prater is set to make his mark this Sunday. Specifically, he will be 41 years and 28 days old when the game commences. The kicker celebrated his 41st birthday on August 10, marking a significant milestone in what is now his 19th season in the NFL. Over the course of his illustrious career, Prater has played for several teams, including the Falcons, Broncos, Lions, and Cardinals.
In his most recent tenure with the Arizona Cardinals in 2024, he showcased his accuracy by successfully converting all six of his field goal attempts across four games. Prater boasts an impressive career field goal percentage of 83.6%, with 81 out of 108 successful attempts from 50 yards or beyond, demonstrating his ability to deliver under pressure.
The Role of Prater in Buffalo’s Offense
While the Bills have a reputation for their strong fourth-down conversion rate—largely due to quarterback Josh Allen’s ability to run the ball—the reliance on Prater’s kicking may be less frequent. However, his contributions could prove pivotal, especially in close games early in the season. If Prater can capitalize on the opportunities he receives, it could significantly benefit the Bills as they aim to establish momentum.
As the Bills prepare to face the Ravens, all eyes will be on Prater, both for his potential record-setting appearance and for his performance in a critical role. The stage is set for a historic night in Buffalo, and Prater’s journey adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding NFL season.
