That was the first reason cited in the article.
Releasing the tape so late would also smack of desperation and might be counterproductive, encouraging Trump supporters to turn out in even greater numbers.
Desperation or not, I have a feeling the release will have exactly the "counterproductive" effect described.
I think if the tapes were just reported honestly it may have hurt trump...but the ludicrous attempt to spin it as Trump is, or is advocating folks be, a sexual predator from this is just too over the top and will backfire