The Dallas Cowboys added kicker Tristan Vizcaino to their practice squad Wednesday following Brett Maher’s horrible kicking performance Monday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Maher shockingly missed four straight extra point attempts during the Cowboys’ playoff win against Tampa Bay before connecting on his fifth try.
That’s two missed PATs from Brett Maher. Both wide right after starting on the left hash. pic.twitter.com/pEbXCqxEGv
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) January 17, 2023
Brett Maher had a rough first half kicking extra points.
Missed PATs in Cowboys postseason history:
◽️ First half vs. Bucs: 3 (0-for-3)
◽️ All other games combined: 2 (168-for-170)H/T @starrettjason
🎥 @OmahaProdpic.twitter.com/BuSkhbyVsu
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 17, 2023
Brett Maher really missed 4 PAT’s pic.twitter.com/xA2opC7Zgw
— Sportsville (@Sportsville_) January 17, 2023
‼️ BREAKING NEWS ‼️
Brett Maher makes his first PAT of the night
ESPN had no confidence in him making it, they didn’t even show half the kick
— Keef (@KieferZabel) January 17, 2023
The Cowboys still intend to use Maher as their starting kicker for their playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, but have added Vizcaino to their practice squad as “insurance” just incase Maher continues to struggle making kicks throughout the week of practice, according to NFL reporter Todd Archer.
The Cowboys will add K Tristan Vizcaino to the practice squad as insurance after Brett Maher missed 4 PATs in Monday’s wild-card win against Tampa Bay, per sources. The plan is for Maher to kick vs. San Francisco but Vizcaino gives them some cover if Maher struggles in practice.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) January 18, 2023
I believe Maher’s disappointing performance on Monday was a fluke job. He’s typically an accurate kicker so I don’t expect his kicking woes to continue. Maher made 29 of his 32 field-goal attempts during the regular season and made 50 of his 53 point after attempts, according to Pro Football Reference. (RELATED: Dak Prescott Throws Helmet In Anger After Kicker Brett Maher Struggles In Historic Fashion)
If Maher were to miss his first or second field-goal attempt on Sunday, I expect that the rumblings will start and he will be benched for Vizcaino. It’s not something that I expect to happen, but after how badly he played Monday, Maher’s on a tight leash.