Upset stomach sours Prater's reunion with ex-Broncos teammates

Allen Park — A Sunday night game against the Broncos was supposed to be a memorable experience for Lions kicker Matt Prater after he spent seven-plus years in Denver.

Instead, Prater will remember the game for a reason other than reuniting with old friends.

The 31-year-old Prater spent much of Saturday night vomiting after deal with what he called food poisoning. The potential culprits, he said, were the bone marrow — his favorite food — and lamb he had for dinner earlier that night.

Prater’s illness continued into Sunday, too, and he didn’t have his typical power in pregame warmups, falling well short on two practice field goals from 58 yards.

“I felt like crap the whole game, but I only had the one PAT,” he said Monday.

And on that extra point, Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib ran around the edge to block it. Prater had made his previous 198 extra points and hadn’t missed one since 2010. The Lions ultimately lost, 24-12, and went for 2 after their second touchdown.

Before the game, Prater said he “kept burping up” and asked a doctor if vomiting again would help him feel better. Instead, he held it in for fear that it could become uncontrollable again.

Despite being sick, Prater said he spoke to several of his former teammates before and after the game, including all the specialists and quarterback Peyton Manning.

“I wish the outcome would’ve been different, but it is what it is,” Prater said.

jkatzenstein@detroitnews.com

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