Report: Lions plan to release kicker Michael Badgley

Then there were two.

The Detroit Lions trimmed their kicking competition Thursday, just days before the start of training camp, by releasing veteran kicker Michael Badgley, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.

Badgley, 27, signed to Detroit’s practice squad in early October after being released by the Chicago Bears and was thought to be the leader in the clubhouse heading into camp. He was one of three kickers to try field goals for Detroit last season. He appeared in the final 12 games and went 20-for-24 on field goals with a long of 53 yards.

Barring another addition, the battle for starting kicker will be between Riley Patterson, who kicked for the team in 2021, and former XFL…