The Blaze released Azar earlier this week and replaced him with the kicker he replaced, veteran Steve Videtich. Coach Danny White said after practice on Wednesday that Azar was cut due to Saturday's miscues and also because Videtich is healthy enough to return.
"We chose [Videtich] over Azar is basically what it came down to," White said.
Videtich, who has been on the injured reserve list, will kick for the Blaze on Saturday when they host the 4-5 Colorado Crush at EnergySolutions Arena.
"I am happy to be back with the team I wanted to be with all along," said Videtich, who was released after he missed some important kicks in Utah's 63-62 season-opening loss to Arizona.
However, a partially torn meniscus was discovered in Videtich's exit exam, and he was placed on IR because Arena Football League teams can't release injured players. He underwent surgery a few days later. That allowed Videtich to continue to attend team meetings and workouts, and it paid off on Monday when coaches watched him kick in practice.
"I have been kicking for about three weeks now, and it was coming along slowly," he said. "Then last Thursday, I actually kicked and there was no pain. It feels good. I am probably about 90 percent [healed]. It is just swelling, and I can deal with that. As long as there's no pain, I am good to go."
Videtich said his confidence never wavered after getting cut two months ago.
"It was just a matter of getting the opportunity to prove it again," he said. "Obviously, this is where my family and I have made our home. This is where I want to be. I love this organization, and I want to be here."
More changes
The Blaze also waived second-year offensive lineman Myniya Smith on Monday. Smith was replaced in the starting lineup last week by John Culp.
Smith is still in town and might be re-signed to the practice squad if he clears waivers in 48 hours, White said.
Former Utah lineman Kyle Gunther and AFL veteran Will Fields were signed to the practice squad, but White said the Blaze probably won't add a player to the active roster to fill the spot vacated by Smith.
"We will probably go with 23 on the active roster and keep [Corey Dodds] on the practice squad, too," he said.
drew@sltrib.com
When: Saturday, 7 p.m.
TV: KJZZ Radio: 1320 AM
Records: Colorado 4-5, Utah 1-9
