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An NFL Rule Could Let Matt Gay and Kansei Matsuzawa Both Make the Raiders
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- An NFL Rule Could Let Matt Gay and Kansei Matsuzawa Both Make the Raiders
The Raiders have a kicking battle in training camp. Veteran Matt Gay and rookie Kansei Matsuzawa are battling for one job.
However, the Raiders could end up keeping both kickers around in 2026. According to The Athletic, Matsuzawa is eligible for the International Pathway Program. That allows NFL teams to carry an extra player on the practice squad if he comes from the IPP.
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So, if Gay wins the job, he could be on the active roster and Matsuzawa could end up on the practice squad. However, Matsuzawa would have to clear waivers once the Raiders cut the roster down to 53 players. If another NFL team thinks he is better than their starter, the Raiders would lose out.
Technically, the Raiders could keep a second kicker on their practice squad regardless of the IPP rules. But NFL teams don't like to waste one of those spots on a kicker.
"Hopefully he can show enough, which knock on wood," special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis said of Matsuzawa. "I hope he keeps showing what he's showing right now, and hopefully, we get a chance to keep him at the end of camp which would be great."
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The Raiders seem fully committed to using the IPP spot on Matsuzawa. In late July, the Raiders cut Laki Tasi . He was on the practice squad via the IPP last season. With Tasi gone, the Raiders can use that spot on Matsuzawa.
Which means this is almost certainly Gay's job. Obviously an injury would change that, but the Raiders are planning to have Gay make the active roster and bring Matsuzawa along on the practice squad.
Hitting from long distance
Nov 24, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers place kicker Matt Gay (14) kicks a field goal against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
If there is one area Matsuzawa could actually force the Raiders to make a real decision, it would be impressing on deep kicks.
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Both Gay and Matsuzawa have yet to prove they can hit long kicks. Gay was available as a free agent in part because he made just 48.3 percent of his kicks from 50 yards and beyond. Matsuzawa only attempted two kicks past 50 yards in his collegiate career.
With an abundance of long kicks in the NFL, the Raiders need a kicker with accuracy from 50.
Gay has eased some of those concerns in training camp. He's made multiple kicks from 55 yards and has missed just one kick. Matsuzawa has also missed just one kick during camp.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
