Connor Barth: Tampa Bay Kicker Out for the Year After Suffering Torn Achilles in a Charity Basketball Game

Connor Barth was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ franchise player last offseason, and then he signed a four year, $13.2 million contract before the 2012 season. On Friday, he tore his right Achilles tendon playing in a charity basketball game with other NFL players, the team announced. The team has signed veteran kicker Lawrence Tynes – previously of the Giants – to replace Barth.

Barth made 84.3% of his field goal attempts as a Buccaneer over four seasons. Last year, he was 28 of 33 on field goal attempts, with three of the misses coming from beyond 50 yards. If you are looking for a silver lining as a Tampa Bay fan, at least Barth was only handling field goals. Michael Koenen, the punter who was signed to a big deal two years ago, is the kickoff guy. Might want to keep him away from all non-kicking activities until camp opens.

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[photo via USA Today Sports Images]