Eddy Pineiro’s final audition for the Bears’ starting job didn’t start well.
The kicker missed his first kick — an extra point try, which is 33 yards — in the first quarter against the Titans on Thursday night, shanking it wide left. The snap and hold were good. A chorus of boos greeted Pineiro after the miss.
It marked the second kick he’s missed at Soldier Field during preseason games; he’s yet to miss on the road.
Pineiro’s miss added newfound pressure to the Bears’ kicking dilemma. He’s the only kicker left on the roster — the Bears cut Elliott Fry after two preseason games — but the team has said it could consider making a trade or waiver claim this weekend.
Pineiro took the first step toward redeeming himself, making a 32-yard field goal in the first minute of the second quarter and a 39-yarder about halfway through the frame. He made a 34-yarder in the third quarter.
