Ravens try out two kickers

OWINGS MILLS -- With kicker Steve Hauschka continuing to struggle to connect on pressure field goals, the Baltimore Ravens took another exploratory step as they evaluate their options if they decide to replace him.

The Ravens worked out free agent kickers Billy Cundiff and Mike Nugent on Tuesday, but neither player was immediately signed to a contract.

Nugent didn't remain in town following the workout, traveling home.

At least for now, Ravens coach John Harbaugh seemed to indicate that the team is going to stick with Hauschka.

“Steve works really hard, he’s really got a lot of talent,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Tuesday night during his weekly WBAL radio program. “He’s our best option.”

For Nugent, a former New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker who won the Lou Groza award at Ohio State as the nation's top kicker, this marked his second tryout in the past few weeks for the Ravens.

The first tryout was prompted by Hauschka suffering a right ankle injury and was also attended by Connor Barth, who has since signed with Tampa Bay.

This time, it follows Hauschka missing a critical 38-yarder wide left in the fourth quarter of a 17-7 loss Sunday to the Cincinnati Bengals. Hauschka also missed a potential 44-yard game-winner during a 33-31 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

A former second-round draft pick of the Jets, Nugent was cut by Tampa Bay after missing two of six field goals with two blocked during the first four games of this season.

Nugent, 27, has converted 77 of 98 career field goals in five NFL seasons for a 78.6 percentage.

Cundiff, 29, is a journeyman kicker who filled in capably for an injured Phil Dawson this season with the Cleveland Browns.

In five games this season, Cundiff converted all six field goals. His longest kick was 31 yards.

During five NFL seasons, he has connected on 66 of 89 field goals for a 74.2 conversion percentage.

Cundiff has previous stints with the New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions.