Getty Images

The third time was not a charm in the Lions’ quest to find a kicker.

Matt Prater, the Pro Bowl kicker signed by the Lions this week, has missed two field goals already today at Minnesota. Prater is the Lions’ third kicker of the season; they previously cut Nate Freese and Alex Henery.

When Prater missed from 44 yards in the third quarter, it moved the Lions to a stunning 0-for-7 on the season on field goals in the 40-49-yard range. Prater also missed a 51-yarder, although he did make a 52-yarder just before halftime.

The Lions have missed 10 field goals this season. Their former kicker Jason Hanson was in Detroit for 21 years and never missed more than nine in a season.

The good news for the Lions is that their defense is playing so well that they might be able to survive all the missed kicks, as well as a shaky day from an offense that clearly misses Calvin Johnson. The Lions lead 10-0.