The Tampa Buccaneers reportedly released kicker Chandler Catanzaro, but Bucs head coach Dirk Koetter denied that Catanzano has been released.
Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reported that the Bucs have released Catanzaro one day after he missed a pair of field goals in Tampa Bay’s 16-3 loss to the Washington Redskins.
“I know there is a report out there,” Koetter said Monday. “We have not (released Catanzaro). We are doing our due diligence on another guy, but as of yet there’s been no move.”
That suggests the Bucs might have a different kicker by the time they face the New York Giants on Sunday.
The Bucs signed Catanzano to a three-year contract this offseason, but it appears he might not make it through the first year of the deal.
The Buccaneers piled up 501 yards on Sunday and missed kicks as well as four turnovers were the main reasons the Bucs scored just three points.
Catanzaro is 11 of 15 on field goals and 23 of 27 on extra points overall this season.
Despite the low scoring output, Koetter said Ryan Fitzpatrick will continue to be the Bucs’ starting quarterback.
“We’re going to go with Fitz this week, and that’s how it’s going to stay,” Koetter said. “He still gives us the best opportunity right now.”
Fitzpatrick was 29 of 41 for 406 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in the loss to Washington.
