Cowboys Kicker Brandon Aubrey Expected to Play After Delay \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey missed two practices this week due to jury duty but is still expected to play in Sunday’s matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that Aubrey has been training after court sessions to stay sharp. Aubrey, a key contributor this season, has set several kicking records and remains a vital part of the Cowboys’ success. The team has plans in place to ensure his availability even if his jury duty continues next week.
Cowboys Kicker Brandon Aubrey Juggles Jury Duty and 49ers Preparation: Quick Look
- Jury Duty Interruption: Brandon Aubrey missed practices this week due to jury duty but is expected to be ready for Sunday’s game.
- Training Schedule: Aubrey has been practicing after court sessions to ensure he stays prepared for the matchup.
- Record-Setting Season: Aubrey has set multiple NFL records, including eight consecutive games with a field goal of 50+ yards.
- No Travel Concerns: The Cowboys have plans to ensure Aubrey can travel and return from San Francisco, even if his jury duty extends into next week.
- Key Player for Cowboys: In a season marked by ups and downs for the Cowboys’ offense, Aubrey has been a consistent contributor, proving crucial to the team’s success.
Deep Look:
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey is gearing up for a crucial road game against the San Francisco 49ers, but his week hasn’t been a typical one. Aubrey was called for jury duty, missing the first two practices of the week as he fulfilled his civic responsibility. Despite this disruption, Aubrey is expected to play on Sunday night, thanks to a schedule that allows him to train after court hours. Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Thursday that Aubrey was getting his practice in outside of his court commitments, ensuring that the team’s reliable kicker remains prepared.
“Hey, just when you think you’ve seen it all at this place, you’ve got something else to do,” McCarthy said, noting the unusual situation of having a key player tied up in jury duty. Despite the challenge, McCarthy expressed confidence that Aubrey would be ready to kick for the Cowboys in San Francisco and that there would be no issues with his availability for the game or the team’s charter flight.
In addition, the Cowboys have planned for any potential continuation of Aubrey’s jury duty into next week, ensuring his return trip from San Francisco will allow him to meet any obligations that arise. The team is fully committed to making sure its standout kicker remains on track, no matter the circumstances.
Aubrey has been a revelation for the Cowboys this season, proving to be one of the team’s most reliable offensive weapons in a year where consistency has been hard to come by, especially for quarterback Dak Prescott and the offense. Aubrey’s performance has been particularly remarkable given his unconventional path to the NFL. After playing soccer at Notre Dame and being drafted by Major League Soccer (MLS), Aubrey eventually found his way to football, kicking in the USFL before Cowboys special teams coordinator John Fassel discovered him in the spring of 2023. Aubrey’s transition from soccer to football has been nothing short of impressive.
Since joining the Cowboys, Aubrey has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s top kickers. Last season, he set a record by making the first 35 field goals of his career, and this season, he has continued to break records. Aubrey has made 17 of 19 field goal attempts so far this season, including a league-record eight consecutive games with a field goal of 50 yards or more. His leg has been a consistent bright spot for a Cowboys offense that has struggled with inconsistency at times.
At 29, Aubrey’s journey to the NFL has been unique. He was drafted by Toronto FC in MLS but never played at the highest level of professional soccer. Instead, he transitioned to football, kicking in the USFL before being signed by the Cowboys. His strong leg and accuracy have made him an invaluable asset to the team, and his performance has exceeded expectations, especially in high-pressure situations.
For the Cowboys, Aubrey’s contributions have been critical as they navigate an up-and-down season. With Prescott and the offense facing challenges, Aubrey’s reliable kicking has often been the difference in close games. His ability to consistently make long-distance field goals has added another dimension to the Cowboys’ special teams unit, giving them a scoring threat from far outside the red zone.
Aubrey’s week has been a balancing act between his legal obligations and his preparation for one of the Cowboys’ most important games of the season. The team’s upcoming matchup against the 49ers is crucial as they aim to solidify their position in the playoff race, and Aubrey’s presence on the field could be a game-changer. The 49ers have a formidable defense, and the Cowboys may need to rely on Aubrey’s kicking to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
While Aubrey has been juggling jury duty, McCarthy emphasized that the team has no concerns about his ability to perform on Sunday. The coach noted that Aubrey has been taking the necessary steps to stay sharp, practicing in the evenings after his court sessions, and ensuring that he is mentally and physically ready for the game.
The team’s preparation for the 49ers also includes making sure Aubrey can handle any potential scheduling conflicts if his jury duty extends into next week. McCarthy and the Cowboys’ staff have arranged their travel plans to accommodate any unforeseen obligations Aubrey might have once the game is over. While the legal process is unpredictable, the Cowboys are confident that Aubrey’s focus will remain on football for Sunday’s game.
Aubrey’s ability to handle these distractions and still deliver on the field is a testament to his professionalism and dedication. His performance this season has shown that he can be counted on in the clutch, and the Cowboys will be relying on his leg as they face one of the toughest defenses in the league.
As the Cowboys continue their season, Aubrey’s role will be pivotal. His consistent kicking has provided stability for a team that has seen its fair share of ups and downs. The fact that Aubrey has been able to maintain his focus and preparation despite being pulled into jury duty speaks volumes about his commitment and his value to the team.
Looking ahead, Aubrey’s journey from soccer to the NFL is an inspiring story, and his continued success could play a critical role in the Cowboys’ push for the playoffs. As Sunday night approaches, all eyes will be on the field in San Francisco, where Aubrey will look to add to his record-setting season, even after a week filled with both legal obligations and football preparation.
