Redskins Waive Kicker Blanton

Washington Redskins kicker Scott Blanton, who had two field goal attempts bounce off the goal posts in Monday's 45-10 loss to San Francisco, was waived Tuesday and replaced by practice squad member David Akers.

Blanton connected on a 37-yard attempt 9:23 into the second quarter, but had a 34-yard try hit the left upright and a 47-yarder hit the crossbar later in the period. He is 2-for-4 on the season in field goals and has made all four extra-point conversions.

The 25-year-old had a disappointing year in 1997 with 16 field goals in 24 attempts for the Redskins. He enjoyed his best season in 1996 with 26 field goals in 32 attempts for the second-best field goal percentage (.813) in team history.

Akers was signed to the practice squad after spending training camp with the Atlanta Falcons. He scored 219 points in four seasons at Louisville and tied the school record of 36 field goals before attending the Carolina Panthers' training camp as a rookie free agent last season.

The Redskins also waived quarterback Pat Barnes from the practice squad and re-signed offensive tackle Ozell Powell to the practice squad.

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