The Ravens released kicker Steve Hauschka this afternoon, it was announced by general manager and executive vice president **Ozzie Newsome**.
Here's a statement from Newsome:
"We entered the season knowing that we would have to go through some growing pains with Steve. That happens with most new kickers in the NFL. But, for where we are as a team today, we need more consistent production from our kicker. Every one of our players has to step up to a Ravens' level of play, and that was not happening for Steve right now.
"While we do believe Steve will kick successfully in the league eventually, we need better right now. The string of important games coming up that are likely to be close, tough battles and his lack of production are reasons we needed to make this move now. We will sign a new kicker by tomorrow's practice."
Hauschka met today with Newsome, head coach **John Harbaugh** and assistant head coach/special teams coordinator **Jerry Rosburg** before leaving the team's facility in Owings Mills.
