INDIANAPOLIS—"Adam Vinatieri is our kicker." Those words Wednesday from Colts Head Coach Frank Reich as the team prepares for Sunday's home game with Jacksonville.
Speculation about the veteran place kicker's future with the Colts intensified this week following last Sunday's loss to the Miami Dolphins in which Vinatieri missed an extra point attempt for the sixth time this year. The 46-year-old, in his 24th NFL season, has made a league-worst 70% of his extra point attempts this season.
The Colts have worked out a number of kickers this week and earlier in the season, but have decided not to part ways with Vinatieri.
"With 24-years of what he's done, there's a sense, we believe in him," said Reich. "And if he's going through a rough patch, we're going to be a little more patient with him."
Asked if his teammates are still behind Vinatieri, Reich said, "Everybody has the utmost confidence in Adam and zero indication of anything but that."
There have been bright moments for Vinatieri. He was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after kicking a game-winning field goal against Denver. Overall, he's made 73% of his field goal attempts.
