The Patriots have placed the veteran kicker on injured reserve with an undisclosed ailment, the team announced.
ESPN reported Gostkowski has a left hip injury that will require season-ending surgery, though he expects to be rehabilitated by next season.
The news comes hours after it was reported that New England was looking to work out free-agent kickers amid Gostkowski’s struggles.
Gostkowski missed four extra points and a field goal over the last three weeks. However, he’s made 7 of 8 field goals this season, with his only miss coming from 48 yards.
ESPN reported the workouts scheduled for Wednesday are “consistent with their due-diligence approach at all positions to keep emergency lists updated,” adding the timing of the workouts makes sense because of Gostkowski’s performance lately.
The 35-year-old signed a two-year contract worth $8.5 million with New England in April.
The Patriots (4-0) are slated to visit the Redskins (0-4) at 1 p.m. ET Sunday.
