Struggling Steelers Kicker Chris Boswell Could Be Replaced

PITTSBURGH, PA - The Steelers will hold tryouts this week for a possible replacement for Chris Boswell but have not ruled out keeping their poorly performing kicker.

Coach Mike Tomlin said at his weekly new conference Tuesday that did not say how many kickers would be auditioning or identify any of the candidates. But he did not that the Steelers “need the ball to go through the uprights” on field goal and extra point attempts.

“We acknowledge Chris has struggled,” Tomlin said. “We’re willing to explore options to give us the very best chances of that ball going through the uprights this weekend. That said, those options include Chris. This time of year, we’re cognizant of what’s available. The prudent approach is to include Chris in those options.”

The once-reliable kicker has missed five extra points this season and has converted only 10 of 16 field-goal attempts, including two misses in Sunday’s loss to the Raiders that prevented the Steelers from sending the game into overtime.

Losers of three straight games, the Steelers face a critical matchup Sundy against the New England Patriots at Heinz Field.

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) slips on the turf while attempting a field goal against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)

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