Following the firing of kicker Brett Maher, who suffered a playoff debacle for the Dallas Cowboys, his replacements Tristan Vizcaino and Brandon Aubrey are also wobbling precariously in training camp – with far-reaching consequences.

The 2022 season ended for the Dallas Cowboys with a playoff collapse by their kicker Brett Maher, who missed four straight extra points in a 31-14 NFC Wildcard Round win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The split then followed in the offseason.

But even a few weeks before the start of the season, the situation at the position has not really stabilised. Tristan Vizcaino and Brandon Aubrey were signed as possible successors and should fight for the starter role. In training camp, however, things are still not going according to plan.

The Cowboys announced via Twitter on Monday that Vizcaino, who had previously played for four teams in three seasons, had already been released. The 28-year-old rookie Aubrey is thus the only remaining kicker on the roster for the time being.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy told The Athletic that he was “excited about our young guy” Aubrey, who previously played for the reigning USFL champions Birmingham Stallions, but also kept the option open to sign another experienced kicker: “We’re always open for business. “

Fans boo Cowboys kicker at training camp

The two kickers had a disastrous day at training camp on Saturday, according to the report, converting just nine of 15 attempts between them. All six misses were reportedly from 42 yards or less.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Vizcaino hit only 50 percent of his field goals (4 of 8) and missed from less than 40 yards each time.

The situation escalated to the point where, as reported by “The Athletic” – and clearly audible in several “Twitter” videos – the kickers’ persistent misses were met with boos from the fans in attendance.

The kickers have struggled MIGHTILY today, both at the top of practice and definitely in the mojo moment.

This hurt to watch. Cowboys

Only one FG was made (see 2nd tweet), as both kickers faltered. pic.twitter.com/yUtUJ4LCGy

– Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 5, 2023

But then on Monday, Aubrey reportedly was the only remaining kicker to show an improved performance at practice, hitting seven of his nine field goal attempts, including the first six in a row, according to “ESPN.”

“As a rookie, it’s good to get those game-like practice situations so I’m better prepared when the game actually comes,” Aubrey said Monday after practice.

However, if performances deteriorate again in upcoming practices or in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, it is considered likely the Cowboys will sign one of the rookie kickers on the market around Robbie Gould, Mason Crosby, Randy Bullock and Ryan Succop.