New Orleans Saints kicker Wil Lutz. Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Saints kicker Wil Lutz could miss start of season with injury

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 8/9/21

New Orleans Saints kicker Wil Lutz could miss the start of the 2021 season with an injury, according to ESPN's Mike Triplett.

The Saints are now trying out kickers during training camp in case Lutz isn't ready to play come Week 1.

Saints kicker Wil Lutz could miss a little time at the start of the season because of an injury, per source -- as @nick_underhill and @LarryHolder also suggested. That could mean 11 new starters in Week 1, but there's hope it will be short term for Lutz. https://t.co/LIIjUBMlh8
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) August 9, 2021

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport adds that Lutz will visit Dr. William Meyers this week and be evaluated for a potential core muscle injury, which could sideline him for eight weeks or potentially longer.

#Saints kicker Pro Bowl Wil Lutz, who left Saturday’s practice early, will visit Dr. William Meyers in the coming days and be evaluated for a potential core muscle surgery, sources say. That knocks position players out 8 weeks, but as a kicker, it could be longer.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 9, 2021

Lutz returned to training camp last week after opening the summer on the non-football injury list with what Saints general manager Mickey Loomis characterized as a "soft tissue" problem.

The 27-year-old had a rough 2020 season, converting 23-of-28 field goals, making just 1-of-3 attempts from 50-plus yards. In terms of field goal percentage, the 2020 campaign was his worst at 82.1%.

It's unclear which kickers the Saints are working out this week. However, several solid options are still available, including Dan Bailey, Stephen Gostkowski and Zane Gonzalez, according to Spotrac.

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