Justin Reid Handled Kickoff Duties for Saints
The Saints turned to safety Justin Reid for a second-half kickoff against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Football
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Justin Reid took over kickoff duties for the New Orleans Saints to start the second half on September 27, 2026. This change occurred after starting kicker Daniel Carlson struggled during the first half.
Why it matters
The team made the adjustment after Daniel Carlson missed a point-after attempt and failed to provide quality field position earlier in the game. This move highlighted the Saints' search for reliability in their special teams unit.
Justin Reid has recorded 1,001 career kickoff yards and six touchbacks throughout his time as an emergency specialist. Prior to this, Daniel Carlson missed a 62-yard field goal attempt against the Detroit Lions.
The players
Justin Reid
He is an NFL safety who has previously served as an emergency kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Daniel Carlson
He is the current placekicker for the New Orleans Saints who joined the roster after a preseason competition.
Juwan Johnson
He is a professional football player for the New Orleans Saints who scored a touchdown in the third quarter.
The details
Justin Reid replaced Daniel Carlson to open the third quarter and handled kickoff duties following a touchdown by Juwan Johnson. Reid previously served as an emergency kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he attempted two point-after attempts.
Timeline
September 27, 2026: Justin Reid executed a kickoff against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Season Trajectory
This substitution reflects the Saints' ongoing efforts to secure consistent special teams play after a competitive preseason battle for the kicker position. Reliable kicking performance remains a critical variable as the team navigates the mid-season schedule and internal roster adjustments.
Fantasy managers and bettors should note the Saints' willingness to use non-specialists for kicks, which may signal a lack of confidence in the primary kicker's consistency. This mid-game shift complicates scoring projections for the remainder of the team's season.
The takeaway
The move underscores the value of versatility on an NFL roster, particularly when primary specialists struggle to perform. Teams that carry backup options for specific roles can mitigate the impact of poor in-game performance from starters.
Further reading
For more on the latest team developments, visit Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Advocate.
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