After losing four extra points in the Dallas Cowboys’ 31-14 wild-card round victory Monday, head coach Mike McCarthy said the team’s faith in kicker Brett Maher hasn’t wavered.
Despite McCarthy’s vote of confidence in Maher, the Cowboys elected to sign kicker Tristan Vizcaino to the practice squad this week.
«Player acquisition is something that happens 365 days a year,» McCarthy said Thursday in response to the roster change, via NFL Network.
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Dallas Cowboys’ Brett Maher (19) misses an extra point during the first quarter of an NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on January 16, 2023 in Tampa, Florida.
(Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
McCarthy also mentioned that the team is constantly looking for ways to add depth to its roster.
But the head coach noted that the week of practice before the divisional round game against the San Francisco 49ers would be critical for Maher.
COWBOYS BACK KICKER AFTER HISTORICALLY POOR PERFORMANCE: ‘WE NEED HIM TO FOCUS’
Maher became the first kicker to miss four PATs in an NFL game since tracking the stat began in 1932. In the fourth quarter, McCarthy decided not to send Maher out for a 35 field goal attempt. yards and chose to do so. on fourth down.
After the game, McCarthy recognized Maher’s importance to the team heading to the next playoff game.
«We need Brett,» McCarthy said, according to NFL.com. «He understands that, so we have to pick him up this week and get him ready to play. Obviously, kicking around an outdoor stadium in Santa Clara. Yeah, he’s disappointed. We need him. We need him to focus on He’s been super key for us all the time. year, but that’s the plan.
Brett Maher of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after missing an extra point against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter in an NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 16, 2023 in Tampa, Florida.
(Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
McCarthy doubled down on his stance on Thursday. «It doesn’t take away our trust with Brett,» McCarthy said, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Both Maher and Vizcaino were scheduled to participate in practice Thursday as the team weighs options for the weekend.
«I think the fact that we’re going to get to see Tristan, I look forward to seeing him work today. I think he’s a talented young kicker,» McCarthy said.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy reacts during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT and T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on September 11, 2022.
(Kevin Jairaj/USA Today Sports)
Vizcaino has spent time with the Patriots and Cardinals this season. He made all five of the field goals he attempted during the 2022 season.
This will be his second stint with the Cowboys. He previously signed with Dallas in 2020.
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Vizcaino is 11-of-12 career shooting from the field and has made 15-of-20 PATs.