After releasing journeyman kicker Ryan Santoso earlier today, the Jacksonville Jaguars have claimed rookie James McCourt off waivers to fill the position ahead of their matchup against the Atlanta Falcons this weekend. His addition to the roster will give the Jaguars’ coaching staff another chance to find their starting kicker for the regular season and could prove to be the most important signing they make this week.
McCourt played collegiately at the University of Illinois and was a rock for the Illini football program for three seasons as their go-to leg on kickoffs and field goals. He holds the school record for most career field goals of 50-plus yards and set the single-season record from that distance as well.
His two All-Big Ten selections made him a popular candidate for teams in need of a kicker throughout the training camp process, and the Jaguars were quick to pounce on the opportunity to pick him up.
As Santoso’s replacement, McCourt will need to show that he has a more consistent stroke on three-point attempts against the Falcons on Saturday. Santoso seemed like a lock to make Jacksonville’s 53-man roster until his dismal performance against the Steelers, so the team certainly isn’t going to put up with below-average performance at the position.
It is worth noting that McCourt wears a mustache that is equally as impressive as Santoso’s was in the preseason, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll keep it as a member of the Jaguars.
McCourt will have a few practices to get his feet wet wearing the teal and black, and if he shows off impressive leg-work against the Falcons, he could be Jacksonville’s leading scorer this weekend.
Stay tuned to Jaguars Wire to stay up-to-date on all this week’s roster moves as Jacksonville makes their best effort to finalize their 53-man roster next week.