Buffalo Bills' kicker undergoes surgery, likely out for season

Tyler Bass has been on Injured Reserve since the preseason due to hip/groin injuries.

Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills place kicker Tyler Bass (2) attempts a field goal held by Buffalo Bills punter Brad Robbins (40) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

It’s been a rough season for Tyler Bass.

The Buffalo Bills’ kicker recently underwent surgery to repair hip/groin injuries he sustained during the preseason, per Head Coach Sean McDermott, effectively ending his 2025 campaign.

"He ended up getting a surgery this past week here, so he is basically out for the season," said McDermott. "He was dealing with (the injuries), it wasn't going away, we thought it was going away, then it wasn't going away as he was trying to get himself back ready. So the decision to get surgery was almost made up for him."

RELATED: Bills move Tyler Bass to IR, leaving 41-year-old to handle kicking duties

NFL Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass | David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

Bass was injured during training camp and went on to miss the Bills’ first two preseason games before returning for exhibition game No. 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But after finishing that game three of four on his field goal attempts, including a miss from 26 yards on his final try, the Bills placed him on IR where he has remained throughout the regular season.

The Bills signed Matt Prater as Bass’ replacement before their season-opening win over the Baltimore Ravens, which he capped with 32-yard game-winning field goal to send Buffalo to 1-0 to begin the year. The 41-year-old has made 17 of 19 field goal attempts on the season, while converting 34 of 37 extra points. Due to Bass’ operation, it now looks like Prater will officially remain the team’s starter for the remainder of the year.

MORE: Sean McDermott offers Tyler Bass update as Bills kicker enters fourth week on IR

Buffalo Bills place kicker Matt Prater walks over to the bench during first half action against the Kansas City Chiefs at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Nov. 2, 2025. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It’s been a rocky road for Bass since he agreed to a four-year contract extension in April 2023. He’s made just 82.8% of his field goal attempts since signing the deal, and now facing a worrisome injury for any kicker, his future with the team is in question.

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