Carlson was deemed a true game-time decision but appears to be up to the task to kick on Monday night. Groin injuries can be tricky for a kicker, which could influence Josh McDaniels’ tendencies near the outer portions of field goal range tonight. Even so, the Raiders have struggled in the red zone to the tune of a 41.67 percent red zone touchdown rate, meaning Carlson could still find his way into field goal attempts against the stout Lions defense.

The name to know here is James McCourt. McCourt is the kicker the Raiders promoted from the practice squad prior to Monday night’s contest against the Lions. Fantasy managers who weren’t prepared to be without Carlson could conceivably pivot to McCourt if they need a few points from a kicker to push them across the finish line this week. Fantasy managers don’t need to react just yet, as Carlson’s status will be confirmed in the coming hours, but if he can’t go, McCourt is almost certainly available in every league.

Carlson is playing 2021 on the restricted free agent tender. After flaming out with the Vikings, Carlson has found a long-term home with Vegas. He’s 27-of-30 (90%) on field goals this season and has missed just two of his 25 extra points. At $4.6 million per year, Carlson is the league’s third-highest paid kicker.

This is Carlson officially signing his second round restricted free agent tender. Carlson converted 94.3 percent of his 2020 field goal attempts after he was a far worse 73.1 percent in 2019. Carlson was 4-of-4 beyond 50 yards last season as he quietly finished as fantasy's fourth highest scoring kicker thanks largely to the NFL's seventh most attempts. He'll likely be overdrafted in seasonal leagues this season. Coach Jon Gruden evidently believes the 26-year-old is his "kicker of the future."