Zoltan

Mesko

Teammate James Ihedigbo was blocked into Mesko’s left (kicking) knee after a punt. He was unable to punt again, but did serve as the holder for Stephen Gostkowski later in the game. Mesko underwent an MRI on Monday, the results of which are unknown.

Mesko was unable to finish out last week’s game, so this is a step in the right direction. The Pats worked out free agents Jeremy Kapinos and Matt Dodge just in case Mesko can’t go.

Mesko came into the game questionable, but said he just needed to loosen up. “It’s just a minor thing,” he said. “By next week I should be OK.”

Mesko was due to earn $1.323 million this season. The Patriots have chosen to go with undrafted rookie Ryan Allen, who will make $405,000. Mesko, who struggled at just 43.1 yards per punt last season, will be on the short list when teams need punting help.

They’re rolling with Michigan Man Mesko over incumbent Drew Butler.

P Shawn Powell was waived in a corresponding roster move. Powell had struggled in the absence of Kevin Huber (broken jaw, injured reserve). Mesko has 55 games of NFL experience, but was just 24th in net-punting average for the Patriots last season. He only lasted seven games for the Steelers in 2013. Punter is going to be a trouble spot for the Bengals during the postseason.

Mesko, 28, had a 36.7 net average on 34 punts for the Steelers last season. He signed with the Bengals late in the year but never appeared in a game for them. The Redskins are looking for punters after releasing Sav Rocca in March.

The Jets already have Ryan Quigley at punter, though he’s coming off a mediocre season. An ex-Patriot, Mesko appeared in seven games for the Steelers in 2013. He worked out for the Redskins in April.

The position has plagued the Pats for years, so they spent a fifth-round pick to grab the draft’s best leg. Mesko, a native of Romania, is the son of a professional bowler. Built like a linebacker (6'4/240), “The Zoltan” posted 16 reps of 225 pounds at the Combine in February.

Mesko is a beastly built punter at 6-foot-5, 240, and is expected to solve a longtime trouble spot in New England. The Michigan product is not scheduled to face serious competition for the starting job in training camp.