The Steelers are making a significant change ahead of their biggest game of the season. ESPN’s Field Yates reports (via Twitter) that the team is placing kicker Chris Boswell on injured reserve. The team has signed kicker Matt McCrane to take his place.
After making the Pro Bowl last season, Boswell has struggled mightily in 2018. Through 15 games, Boswell has converted only 13 of his 20 field goal attempts, with his 65-percent mark ranking dead last among eligible kickers. The 27-year-old even struggled on extra points; after having made at least 94-percent of his attempts through the first three seasons of his career, that number dropped to 89.6-percent (43-for-48) in 2018.
Boswell seemed to have a rebound game during last weekend’s loss to the Saints, as he made his two field goal attempts and two extra point tries. Many attributed the kicker’s struggles to the yips, and his placement on the IR doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s been dealing with a nagging injury throughout the campaign. It’s more likely that the coaching staff still didn’t feel good about Boswell’s prospects heading into Week 17 and the postseason, and his placement on the IR allowed the organization to keep him on the roster.
McCrane, an undrafted rookie out of Kansas State, has bounced around the NFL this season, spending time with the Cardinals and Raiders. He appeared in four total games with the two organizations, connecting on five of his nine field goal attempts and all five of his extra point tries.
Extra point stats Really can’t be compared to the past because the distance is farther
They were the same length last season and he had no troubles.
I’m sorry I meant just across the board in general
McCrane is 5 of 9 on FGs. ?Boy, doesn’t THAT give me warm fuzzies as a Steeler fan.
AFC championship appearance or fire underachiever Tomlin.
I wouldn’t go that far, but there should be pressure on him to fire assistant coaches. Both LBs coaches should go, possibly DC as well.
They shouldn’t have to fire Tomlin. He should have the good grace to fall on his own sword and resign or retire like Cowher did.
So what was the “injury” that was cited to justify Boswell’s placement on IR? Physical or Mental? Doesn’t the team have to supply a REASON for the placement of a player on IR? I don’t believe that “Stashing” is a legitimate reason.
I believe there was mention on here after his bad game vs the Raiders that he had been struggling with a groin pull injury.
Imagine if the Ravens lose this weekend and the Steelers are in a position to win a game with 03 seconds left on the clock for a 35 yard field goal and McCrane misses the kick knocking the Steelers out of the playoffs!
Boswell Is 50-50 on making that one also
Boswell could afford to blow that kick if the game was tied and ended that way. Steelers claim the 6th seed if they and the Ravens finish the season with identical records.