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In a surprising shift for the Atlanta Falcons, Younghoe Koo, their reliable kicker since 2019, is not part of the team’s lineup as they gear up for their Week 2 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Instead, Parker Romo has been elevated from the practice squad to fill the kicker role for this critical game.
Understanding Younghoe Koo’s Bench
Koo has been a consistent presence in the Falcons’ roster, but his absence this week raises questions. He is officially a healthy scratch for the game against the Vikings, meaning he’s not injured but will not participate.
This decision comes on the heels of Koo’s missed field goal during the Falcons’ controversial 23-20 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the season opener. The 44-yard attempt in the final seconds of regulation was crucial for a potential tie, but it failed, leading to this significant coaching decision to bench him.
Parker Romo: The New Kicking Option
Parker Romo, who is stepping into the spotlight, is on his sixth team since entering the NFL in 2022 as an undrafted free agent from Virginia Tech. Though his experience is limited, having kicked in only four regular-season games with the Vikings last season, he made a notable 11 out of 12 field goals, including a long of 55 yards. His performance will be crucial as he aims to prove himself in this new role for the Falcons.
Romo was previously in contention for the kicking position at the New England Patriots but was released earlier during the 2025 offseason when the job went to rookie Andy Borregales. In 2023, he gained additional kicking experience with the United Football League’s San Antonio Brahmas, where he made 17 of 19 field goals through ten games.
Reasons Behind the Change
The decision to replace Koo with Romo may have more layers. Following Koo’s hip injury last season, his performance metrics have slightly dipped, culminating in a 73.5% success rate—his lowest since the 2017 season with the Los Angeles Chargers. These factors likely contributed to the coaching staff’s decision to shake things up.
As of now, Koo remains on the Falcons’ 53-man roster, but his future as the team’s primary kicker appears uncertain. Whether Romo’s performance this week will solidify his spot or lead to Koo’s reinstatement will depend on how well he manages the high-pressure environment of an NFL game.
What This Means for the Falcons
This change represents a critical moment for the Falcons as they strive to recover from their Week 1 loss and solidify their kicking game. Fans will be watching closely to see how Romo handles the pressure and if he can deliver the consistent field goal kicking the team requires. Coach’s choices moving forward will undoubtedly be influenced by Romo’s performance this Sunday.
FAQs About Younghoe Koo and Parker Romo
1. Why is Younghoe Koo not playing for the Falcons?
Younghoe Koo is not injured but is a healthy scratch due to his recent performance issues, including a critical missed field goal in Week 1.
2. Who is Parker Romo, and what is his experience?
Parker Romo is a 28-year-old kicker elevated from the practice squad. He has previously kicked for the Minnesota Vikings and has also been with several teams since entering the NFL.
3. What impact could this change have on the Falcons’ season?
The change could either provide the consistency the team needs in the kicking game or highlight the need for Koo’s return if Romo struggles.
4. Has Younghoe Koo been performing poorly?
Yes, Koo’s performance has waned, particularly last season, where he had a lower success rate and faced injuries.
5. Will Parker Romo remain the kicker for the entire season?
That will depend on his performance in this game and moving forward. His performance may determine if he’ll keep the job long-term.
