Wilson: Ravens cut Steve Hauschka

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Steve Hauschka era is over in Baltimore.

The Ravens cut the struggling kicker today after he missed a 36-yard kick wide left, his fourth missed field goal this season.

The Ravens plan to sign a kicker before Wednesday's practice as they prepare for an Indianapolis Colts team that features former Baltimore kicking legend Matt Stover, who has hit all six of his kicks as the replacement for an injured Adam Vinatieri.

"We entered the season knowing that we would have to go through some growing pains with Steve," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement.. "That happens with most new kickers in the NFL. But, for where we are as a team today, we need more consistent production from our kicker. Every one of our players has to step up to a Ravens' level of play and that was not happening for Steve right now."

Hauschka flubbed a 44-yard potential game-winning field goal in a loss against the Minnesota Vikings and a key 38-yarder in the fourth quarter of a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Ravens have recently worked out free agent kickers Mike Nugent and Billy Cundiff, but haven't immediately announced a signing.

Cundiff hadn't heard from the Ravens as of earlier this afternoon.

"While we do believe Steve will kick successfully in the league eventually, we need better right now," Newsome said. "The string of important games coming up that are likely to be close, tough battles and his lack of production are reasons we needed to make this move now. We will sign a new kicker by tomorrow's practice."

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