Nick Folk

Jets sign kicker Bullock, place Folk on IR

Published Nov. 10, 2015 7:26 p.m. ET

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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) Randy Bullock is stepping in for the injured Nick Folk.

The New York Jets signed the former Houston Texans kicker on Tuesday to replace Folk, who was placed on the season-ending injured reserve list with an injured right quadriceps.

Bullock practiced with the Jets after signing with them Tuesday morning and will kick against Rex Ryan's Buffalo Bills on Thursday night.

''I feel great, I feel healthy,'' Bullock said. ''I had a couple of weeks off, but I was still working on my own.''

The main focus for Bullock leading up to the game will be working with long snapper Tanner Purdum and punter Ryan Quigley, the holder on field goals.

Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan is familiar with Bullock from their time in Houston together. Bullock was drafted in the fifth round in 2012 out of Texas A&M, but was cut by the Texans on Sept. 29 and replaced by Nick Novak.

He has made 80.3 percent of his field goal tries, going 61 of 76, and is 69 of 71 on extra points - with both misses coming earlier this season with the new distance of 33 yards.

''I think I've learned a lot about myself,'' Bullock said of the past few weeks while being unemployed. ''Adversity only makes you stronger and I'm ready to go and ready to play at a high level.''

Folk was injured during pregame warmups last Sunday, leaving the kicking duties against Jacksonville to Quigley - who made all four of his extra points.

Folk said he heard a ''pop'' in his leg, but didn't think at first that the injury was as serious as it is. He was told there is no tear or structural damage, but has a Grade I strain.

''I kind of wanted to get through the game, really, and help the team get a win,'' he said. ''So, that was the furthest thing from my mind. But after the game, it dwelled on me a little bit.''

Coach Todd Bowles initially was told that the kicker would be sidelined at least four weeks. Doctors later updated that to an eight-week injury. But with the Jets dealing with several injuries, they needed to clear a roster spot to bring in a new kicker.

Bullock was one of four kickers brought in by New York to try out, a group that also included Garrett Hartley.

Folk was 13 of 16 on field goals this season and converted all 19 extra points in his sixth season with the Jets.

''It's tough, but now I'm just kind of getting ready for next year,'' Folk said. ''We've got a lot of guys nicked up, so carrying two kickers is pretty tough at this point.''

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