PHOENIX — In a season gone wrong, Matt Prater has been an exception.
And now there’s something wrong with Prater.
The Broncos’ place-kicker did not accompany the team on the trip to Arizona because of a groin injury.
The Broncos signed Steven Hauschka to kick for them today when they play the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium.
“It’s been bothering me for about two weeks,” Prater said. “It stinks because I hear it’s going to be nice and warm down there.”
Prater has made 16-of-18 field goals this year, including one from 59 yards. He figured to have his opportunities in the 80-degree warmth (if the roof is open) against a Cardinals team that ranks last in the league with 28.2 points allowed per game.
Instead, Hauschka will get another opportunity to kick- start his career. He struggled with the Ravens, making 10-of-15 field goals combined in 2008 and 2009. Hauschka was given a tryout Friday at the Broncos’ practice facility and was signed Saturday morning.
To make roster room for Hauschka, the Broncos waived offensive lineman Stanley Daniels, who started the first four games this season at left guard.
Cox in Arizona.
Rookie cornerback Perrish Cox accompanied the Broncos on the trip, a day after he was released from Douglas County Jail on a felony sexual- assault charge.
Broncos management considered holding Cox out of the game today, but collective bargaining agreement rules say only the NFL can suspend a player in such instances. The Broncos will fine Cox for missing practice and meetings Friday.
Just because Cox is on the trip doesn’t mean he will play. If he does play, he probably won’t start. The rookie is listed as questionable for noninjury-related reasons on the Broncos’ injury report.
Footnotes.
Right cornerback Andre Goodman (thigh) and safety Darcel McBath (ankle) are listed as questionable for the game today. Goodman would start ahead of Cox if he’s healthy; if not, Syd’Quan Thompson will get the nod. . . . The Broncos’ Eric Studesville is the league’s third interim head coach this year. The Cowboys’ Jason Garrett and the Vikings’ Leslie Frazier inherited teams that were a combined 4-14. Those teams are a combined 5-1 since. . . . Denver is the only NFL team that has three receivers with at least 50 catches — wideouts Brandon Lloyd (60), Jabar Gaffney (56) and Eddie Royal (53).
Mike Klis, The Denver Post
