Monday, Oct 05, 2009 07:46 PM

Bucs release Nugent after kicker misses two field goals in loss

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut kicker Mike Nugent a day after he missed two field goals in a 16-13 loss to the Washington Redskins.

Nugent missed kicks of 49 and 48 yards Sunday and was 2 of 6 on field goal attempts through four games.

The Bucs worked out former Indianapolis kicker Shane Andrus and signed him as Nugent's replacement on Monday.

The 2005 second-round draft pick signed with Tampa Bay as a free agent in March after spending the first four seasons of his career with the New York Jets. After going 0 for 4 on his first four attempts for the Bucs, the fifth-year pro made kicks of 37 and 22 yards against the Redskins.

Andrus began the season with the Colts, handling kickoff duties in the team's opener against Jacksonville. He made 5 of 6 field goals and converted four extra points to lead Indianapolis with 19 points during the preseason.

The Bucs also released reserve cornerback Marcus Hamilton. His roster spot could be filled this week when safety Tanard Jackson is eligible to return from a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.