Report: Denver Broncos release kicker Matt Prater

Aug 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater (5) during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 21-16. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

After Matt Prater was suspended four games from the National Football League, it kind of had the feel that he would not be back in a Broncos uniform. Friday afternoon, that would indeed come true. Head coach John Fox confirmed the report Friday saying the team has cut ties with Prater, releasing him after his four-game suspension was up.

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If you remember correctly, Prater was suspended four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy which came back to bite him. Prater is now a free-agent, looking to catch on somewhere else. Prater has incredible ability as a kicker and it showed last season. He missed just one field goal, to go along with leading the league in touchbacks. There’s no doubt in my mind another team in need of a kicker will pick him up.

This leaves the Broncos with free-agent signing Brandon McManus, who has impressed the team thus far. McManus has made all three of his field goal attempts, as well as converting on all eight extra points.

Just a reminder, the Denver Broncos take on the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:05 PM EST, 2:05 PM MST.