ATLANTA — Jason Elam figured he was down to his last miss. He was right.
The Falcons released the 17-year veteran Tuesday, having finally run out of patience with a kicker who had been one of the NFL’s most accurate but struggled through a mystifying slump this season.
Elam was 8-of-15 on field- goal attempts from at least 30 yards, a success rate that was simply unacceptable — especially for a team contending in the NFC playoff race.
“To be honest with you, when I walked off the field after the last three games, I thought that was it,” Elam said. “I’ve always been able to kick myself out of these things, but it just wasn’t happening for me. It was a bad November.”
It also was an unceremonious ending for a 39-year-old kicker who is tied for the longest field goal in NFL history (63 yards), made more than 81 percent of his career attempts, and earned three Pro Bowl appearances during a 15-season tenure with the Broncos, helping them win back-to-back Super Bowls in the 1990s.
Atlanta signed Matt Bryant, who has kicked with four NFL teams. Elam said he will take a few days to decide on whether he wants to pursue a job with another team.
Roethlisberger expects to go
PITTSBURGH — Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has worked out without problems since missing Sunday night’s game in Baltimore with a concussion and is expected to play Sunday against Oakland.
Roethlisberger was held out of the 20-17 overtime loss to the Ravens after having post- practice headaches Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. A team doctor recommended Saturday that the quarterback not play, and coach Mike Tomlin agreed.
While the Steelers did not practice Monday, Roethlisberger worked out on his own and did not have any problems, Tomlin said.
“All indications are he’ll be a full participant (today) in practice and ultimately play in the game on Sunday,” Tomlin said.
Chiefs to retire Thomas’ 58
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The late Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas will be the 10th player in Chiefs history to have his number retired.
The Chiefs will retire No. 58 on Sunday during halftime of their game with the Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium.
Thomas had completed his 11th NFL season when he died in February 2000 following a car crash a month earlier.
Footnotes.
The Bears signed linebacker Cato June to a one- year contract.
• The 49ers placed safety Curtis Taylor on injured reserve with a strained hip.
• Tight end Brent Celek signed a six-year contract extension, through the 2016 season, with the Eagles.
• The Browns placed nose tackle Shaun Rogers on injured reserve with a lower-leg injury. The Associated Press
