Niners release Arland Bruce and cut kicker
49ers Make Kicking Change Back to Homepage
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
The 49ers made a series of roster moves Tuesday, most notably releasing kicker Jeff Chandler and signing Owen Pochman as his replacement. The team also released kick returner Arland Bruce and terminated linebacker Marcus Reese from the practice squad.
Chandler was the 49ers fourth-round draft choice in 2001. The former Florida Gator is 6-of-7 on field-goal attempts this season with a long of 35 yards. Chandler struggled in the loss to the Rams, missing a 43-yard field goal, sending the opening kickoff out of bounds and miss-hitting a squib kick late in the fourth quarter.
“After visiting with the coaches we decided that we needed to make a change at kicker. It was a difficult decision, but Jeff has been struggling with his consistency and kickoff depth,” Terry Donahue said. “We do wish Jeff the best. Owen Pochman has a big upside and will bring a strong leg to the organization. He lacks experience, but we’re hoping we can upgrade and become more consistent in the kicking game.”
The strong-legged Pochman entered the league as a seventh-round selection of the Patriots in 2001. Since then he has spent time with the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and the St. Louis Rams. Pochman had earned the Giants kicking job in 2002, but missed the season following knee surgery.
Bruce struggled in his first two games as the primary punt and kick returner for the 49ers. After earning the job in training camp, Bruce has averaged 6.0 yards per punt return and 20.8 per kick return. The 49ers will turn punt and kick return duties over to Jimmy Williams.
