Chiefs K Spencer Shrader out Friday; KC raises K Matthew Wright

Kansas City will use its third kicker of the year this Sunday. After the primary kicker Harrison Butker When he was placed on injured reserve two weeks ago, the Chiefs made some emergency moves and signed the kicker Spencer Shrader to their active roster from the Jets’ practice squad. With Shrader not expected to play this week, Kansas City will use one of its two standard practice squad additions for game day on Kicker Matthew Wright as a replacement for Butker and Shrader.

Shrader has contributed admirably since signing, hitting all three of his field goal attempts and all six of his extra point attempts. He played until late last week and hit a 31-yard field goal to defeat the Panthers. However, after the victory, Shrader was no longer involved in team activities. According to the team’s injury report, Shrader did not practice all week as he was dealing with a hamstring injury to his kicking leg.

As Shrader’s replacement, Wright will continue to make the rounds in the NFL. Wright has played for five teams in as many years during his NFL career. He returns to a Kansas City team with which he played two games in 2022 and signed to their practice squad two days ago. Wright has appeared in one game for the 49ers this year, converting three field goals and three extra points in their Week 6 win over the Seahawks.

If Shrader continues to miss time after this week, the Chiefs can promote Wright for another two games before he reaches his limit on a single practice squad contract. However, if Wright runs out of activations, Butker should be eligible to return from IR assuming he is healthy enough to play. Regardless, Kansas City should have a solid plan in place to fill the kicker position over the next few weeks.

Wright taking over as the other practice squad promotion will be a tight end Anthony Firkser. The veteran tight end will be playing in his fifth game of the season after playing four games for the Jets earlier in the year.