Matt Prater Illness: Updates on Broncos Kicker's Status for Super Bowl XLVIII

Updates from Sunday, Jan. 26

Mike Klis of the Denver Post has an update on Matt Prater's status:

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Matt Prater's status for Super Bowl XLVIII may be in doubt after the Denver Broncos kicker was sent home from practice for the third straight day, per ESPNNewYork.com's Jeff Legwold:

Head coach John Fox said that the decision was more of a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring Prater is healthy enough to make the flight to New Jersey, per Legwold:

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"We've got hand washers ... all over the building," Fox said. "We sent him home, he's going to be fine for the game, hopefully he feels much better (Sunday) morning as we fly to New Jersey."

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"It's happened all season, happened to every team in the league," Fox said. "Guys do get sick, just like any household in America. We feel confident he'll be fine shortly."

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However, Mike Klis of The Denver Post reported that Prater is feeling better than he had earlier in the week and will in fact be on the team's flight:

The 29-year-old Pro Bowler was the most accurate kicker in the league this year, hitting 25-of-26 field goals. He also broke the record for longest field goal, when he nailed a 64-yarder against the Tennessee Titans back in December.

The Super Bowl will likely be a close game, so it's vital for the Broncos to have Prater back at 100 percent by next Sunday. As little as three points could end up being the difference between them and the Seattle Seahawks.

Having somebody as consistent as Prater is a massive asset.