Kicking competition between Gano, Rackers even in Washington

The kicking competition for the Washington Redskins is dead even following the team’s practice today.

Mark Maske of the Washington Post reports incumbent Graham Gano and veteran challenger Neil Rackers are both 16 for 19 on field goals during training camp.

Rackers, 35, was a perfect 6 for 6 today while Gano was 5 for 6, clanking a 34-yard try off the right upright.

Both kickers are known for having strong legs but coach Mike Shanahan obviously wasn’t comfortable enough to have Gano back without challenging him. Gano made 31 of 41 field goals last season (75.6 percent) and is at 73.8 percent over three seasons in his career. Rackers, who spent the last two seasons with the Texans, is 80 percent throughout his career. He’s also kicked for the Bengals and Cardinals.

This could be a battle decided in the preseason games.

Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs

Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

Upcoming Games