FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Perhaps the third kicker's the charm.
The Atlanta Falcons surely hope so. They have been rather active in the special teams market this season, and they'd like that to end.
"You want what's best for the team," Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams said. " ... We are looking for a consistent presence at that position as throughout the whole NFL."
Longtime kicker Younghoe Koo made the initial 53-man roster. He earned the spot in training camp over rookie Lenny Krieg, who was placed on the practice squad. Koo needed to prove himself after a rocky 2024 season in which he made a career-low 73.5% of his field goals and spent the last three weeks on injured reserve due to a hip injury.
Unfortunately for Koo and the Falcons, he missed a game-tying 44-yard field goal in Week 1 that solidified the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' victory.
The Falcons immediately brought in competition and ultimately signed kicker Parker Romo to the practice squad.
Romo made his Falcons debut in the Week 2 win against the Minnesota Vikings. He hit all five of his field-goal attempts. Koo was released in the aftermath, and Romo was signed to the active roster.
In seven games total, Romo was successful on 78.6% of his field goals. However, in Week 9, he missed a game-tying extra point in the Falcons' loss to the New England Patriots.
"We can't miss those kicks," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said.
On Tuesday, the Falcons released Romo.
On Wednesday, the Falcons signed kicker Zane Gonzalez, who was a part of the initial tryout crop.
"When they went out there to compete, it was a very tight battle," Morris said. "Zane was the elder statesman, and Parker was the younger statesman. We went with the younger statesman."
Prior to joining the Falcons, Romo had only ever kicked in four games — all for the Vikings in 2024. Gonzalez, meanwhile, comes to Atlanta with six seasons of game experience under his belt.
In 69 career games, spent with four different teams, Gonzalez has made 80% of his field goals. He made five of his seven attempts last season for the Washington Commanders, whom he also joined in Week 10.
"He did a good job there," Williams said. "I thought he was calm. He plays with great poise. He has consistent technique. He has a strong leg. And he's played in clutch situations.
"He joined Washington when they were on their playoff run, and then when they got to the playoffs, he was 7-of-8 with making the game-winner to beat Tampa Bay."
It was a 37-yard field goal.
The Falcons need someone reliable in those high-stress situations. Koo used to be that guy. Romo showed potential but fell short. Now, it's Gonzalez's time to possibly shine Sunday as Atlanta plays the Indianapolis Colts at Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany.
"I'm friends with Koo. I'm friends with Romo. I know those guys really well," Gonzalez said. "So, you never root for anybody's downfall or bad situation. But at the end of the day, it's a business. I'm excited for an opportunity to come in here and perform."
Take a look at our best shots from week ten practice ahead of the Sunday matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, presented by Gatorade.
A Gatorade Bottle during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. #8 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Jovaughn Gwyn #52 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Zane Gonzalez #45 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Andrew Stueber #62 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. #33 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman David Onyemata #90 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts #31 and Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Zach Harrison #96 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes #21 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. #33 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. #33 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. #24 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus #54 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro #98 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Fall leaves during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Ryan Neuzil #64 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Sam Roberts #99 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts #31 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
A Gatorade bottle during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
A football during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
