The Bills had kicker tryouts a few weeks ago and signed Lucas Havrisik to the practice squad as a safeguard and also as a source for an exhibition game. But the Bills cut Havrisik last week, demonstrating their improved confidence in Bass.

“Here’s a young man who’s been through this, and the journey he’s been on from week to week, the questions that have been asked of him,” Bills head coach Sean McDermott said after the win. “I think it is a good example of mental resilience. I think it is a great example of perseverance and resilience.

“And for young kids, here’s a player who was under a lot of scrutiny. And we brought a player here to compete with him in the middle of the season and he didn’t back down.”

It was his first big kick of the season, and Bass’ stunning miss in the final minute of last season’s divisional round playoff loss to the Chiefs remains a fresh wound. But Bass has built a reputation as a clutch kicker through his body of work, with the winner of Sunday’s game scoring his eighth straight regular-season goal in eight attempts in the final minute of the fourth quarter or in overtime of his career.

Bass has also made 16 straight field goals with a chance to tie or take the lead in the second half, which is the longest active streak in the NFL.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who threw three second-half touchdown passes in the win, said he was choked up watching his old teammate score when the Bills needed him most.

“So proud of him. So happy for him,” Allen said. “I got emotional during my little speech after the game just because of the trials and tribulations he’s been in all year, that’s what stories are made of.

“And I love him. I respect him so much. Everyone in that locker room is so happy for him, and he’s our guy.”