Falcons sign Zane Gonzalez, release Romo ahead of Berlin Week 10

The Atlanta Falcons signed veteran kicker Zane Gonzalez to their 53-man roster on Wednesday and released Parker Romo, a day after Romo missed a game-tying extra point in Sunday’s 24-23 loss to the New England Patriots. The move, announced by the team, comes as the Falcons prepare to play the Indianapolis Colts in Berlin on Sunday, handing Gonzalez the starting kicking duties for Week 10.

Romo’s miss with 4:40 remaining kept the Falcons behind 24-23 after a late touchdown drive and prompted the team to pursue competition at the position. Head coach Raheem Morris had suggested in the days after the loss that the team was considering a change, saying, "We have to make that kick." Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. defended Romo following the game, adding, "It's NFL football. Anything can happen. We still had a lot of time on the clock. The defense got a stop and gave us the opportunity to put more points on the board, and we didn't do it. It's never on one person. It's never on one play. It's a long game. We have to find ways to execute when it's needed the most."

Gonzalez, 30, is a six-year NFL veteran who last played for the Washington Commanders. In six regular-season games this past...