Jake Bates may be taking hold of the Lions' kicking job

After Michael Badgley's unfortunate season-ending injury, the Detroit Lions were inclined to allow Jake Bates to assert himself as their kicker. The end of the first week of padded training camp practices was not promising on that front, as Bates struggled mightily.

Bates didn't do much better in one of the joint practices against the New York Giants.

Head coach Dan Campbell told reporters the team would keep faith in Bates, awaiting how he responded to those struggles.

"We told him after the scrimmage the other day, 'Man, we're sticking with you. We're going to give you a chance to grow here. Let's see how you respond, "

Bates made a 53-yard field goal against the Giants in the preseason opener, his only attempt of the game, with the added layer of less than ideal weather conditions. He did make a mistake on the ensuing kickoff, coming up well short of the new landing zone for kickoffs, but head coach Dan Campbell was encouraged by the long field goal (h/t to Pride of Detroit).

"It’s like small victories, Campbell said. That’s how you gain confidence is demonstrated ability to do it,” Campbell said.....“I thought it was encouraging really. The last two days, and then tonight to watch him step up and hit that.”

Jake Bates may be taking full hold of Lions' kicking job

Building on that 53-yarder in the preseason opener, Bates ended Sunday's practice with a 64-yard field goal.

The second kick may have only been in practice, but it reflected what Campbell said about simply "doing it" to gain confidence. Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network asked Bates how the two long kicks help with his confidence.

"Yeah, it feels good, I think we have a great operation. Regardless of who the snapper is, I know they're going to give a good snap, and Jack (Fox) is really, really good holder. So it's up to me to do my job, and each day just get better and better.”

Bates also talked to John Maakaron of SI.com after Sunday's practice, and hit a similar note about the vote of confidence from Campbell.

The Lions have had quite a kicker carousel under the Brad Holmes-Dan Campbell regime, to the point it's worth wondering how much they truly value the position.

As Rogers noted, the Lions aren't afraid to make a late change at kicker at or after roster cuts. But Bates is on a good track toward securing the job now, particularly showing some mettle by responding to struggles in a way an NFL kicker has to.