Vinatieri wants to return for 25th season, rehab slowed by shutdowns

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Adam Vinatieri is aiming to continue his legendary career in 2020.

The free-agent kicker, who has spent the last 14 years with the Indianapolis Colts, wants to return for his 25th NFL season, he told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network on Tuesday.

Vinatieri underwent season-ending knee surgery in December, however, and COVID-19 shutdowns are complicating his rehabilitation.

Vinatieri had season-ending surgery in December on his left knee (plant leg) that included removing a chunk of his patellar tendon, fixing his meniscus and other cleanup. Normally a 6-month recovery, but rehab at home -- no gym, physical therapist, etc. -- is an added challenge. https://t.co/9p1rapTTEA

- Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 29, 2020

The Colts are seemingly not interested in bringing back Vinatieri. Chase McLaughlin - who replaced the future Hall of Famer in 2019 - is expected to compete with undrafted free agent and ex-Georgia standout Rodrigo Blankenship for the job in 2020.

Vinatieri endured the worst campaign of his career before ending last season on injured reserve, going 17-of-25 (68%) on field-goal attempts and 22-of-28 (78.6%) on extra-point attempts.

The 47-year-old made at least 85% of his field-goal attempts in each of the prior six seasons - including a career-high 96.8% in 2014 - and had just eight extra-point misses over that span.

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