Kicker Shaun Suisham, who made nearly 90 percent of his field goal attempts over five healthy seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been released due to a failed physical, the team announced Friday.
The 34-year-old is recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee suffered during the Hall of Fame Game last August.
"Unfortunately, the injury I sustained in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game last preseason was catastrophic and has proven to be critical to continuing to my career," Suisham said in a statement. "My journey to the NFL has come to a crossroads."
Chris Boswell will remain the team's primary kicker after a successful 2015 debut in place of Suisham.
"Unfortunately, Shaun incurred a setback in his recovery from knee surgery that won't allow him to compete in a timely manner," Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said. "Shaun has played a significant role in our success during his time in Pittsburgh. He has been the consummate professional on the field and in our community. We wish he and his family all the best in the future."
Before spending 2015 on the injured reserve list, Suisham converted 124 of 141 field goal attempts and all 173 of his extra point attempts.
In 2015, Boswell made 29 of 32 field goal attempts for a 90.6 percent success rate.
Suisham didn't participate in offseason workouts, but the Steelers had been hopeful that he could kick in training camp to spark a competition for the starting job.
The Steelers will save Suisham's $2.4 million salary in 2016, and Suisham's salary cap number was $3.5 million, so the team is expected to get some cap relief because of the failed physical designation.
