Buffalo Bills quarterback Matt Barkley. Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Bills backup QB Matt Barkley boots 53-yard punt against Panthers

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 8/26/22

Amid disturbing allegations of sexual assault against Buffalo Bills rookie punter Matt Araiza, the team chose not to let him play during their preseason tilt against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday.

With no other punters on the roster, the Bills turned to backup quarterback Matt Barkley to do the special teams' duties.

In his first attempt of the night, Barkley connected for a modest 33-yard punt, but the best was yet to come.

On his very next try, Barkley nailed a booming 53-yard punt pinning the Panthers deep in their own territory.

The second Matt Barkley Punt went much better.pic.twitter.com/3FGyd1q2S5
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 27, 2022

Barkley's kick sliced toward the sidelines and bounced at the 30-yard line before being downed inside the Panthers' eight.

Matt Barkley just pinned a punt inside the 10 yard line… not something I ever expected to write.
— Bradley Gelber (@BradleyGelber) August 27, 2022

The Bills reportedly held a pregame competition to decide who would punt on Thursday night. Barkley won out over fellow backup quarterback Case Keenum and safety Micah Hyde.

The 31-year-old is in his fourth season with the Bills. In eight games for Buffalo, Barkley has completed 53 of 97 passes for 788 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions.

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