The San Francisco 49ers acted quickly to address their kicking situation after Jake Moody’s ankle injury, taking just two days to find a replacement.
The team announced on Tuesday, October 8, that veteran kicker Matthew Wright had signed a one-year deal and would handle the kicking duties for the foreseeable future.
“The San Francisco 49ers announced they have signed K Matthew Wright to a one-year deal,” according to the team’s official site.
Moody had been having a stellar season, being called upon for 14 field goal attempts, successfully converting 13 of them.
However, his season was interrupted by a high ankle sprain suffered during a tackle against the Arizona Cardinals.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan provided an update on October 7, but details on the severity or length of Moody’s absence were still unclear.
“Jake Moody does have a high ankle sprain. Expect time out and such, but no update yet on that,” Shanahan said.
Wright, with significant experience under his belt, is expected to step in capably for Moody during his recovery.
Matthew Wright’s NFL Career
Wright’s first regular season appearance came with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020. He went a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals and converted all seven extra-point attempts.
In 2021, Wright signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, making 21 of 24 field goals over 14 games, though he did miss two extra-point attempts.
During the 2022 season, Wright served as a fill-in kicker for both the Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs, making 15 of 18 field goals combined between the two teams.
In 2023, he made one appearance with the Carolina Panthers but missed his only attempt.
49ers Held Kicking Competition
Shanahan also mentioned that the 49ers were in the process of trying out multiple kickers following Moody’s injury.
This is standard procedure for teams that don’t have an immediate replacement available.
“Yeah, I think we’ve got four guys coming in later today,” Shanahan said, though he wasn’t sure who exactly was coming. “I don’t have their names yet.
I know our guys are working on it now after finishing this game and starting on all the Seattle preparations for the short week.
They’ve got four guys coming in, but I didn’t get their names.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter later reported that five kickers actually came in for the tryout, including Wright.
The other kickers were Randy Bullock, Riley Patterson, Anders Carlson, and Matt Coghlin.
Wright’s ability to beat out other veteran kickers during the competition bodes well for his chances in San Francisco.
