According to a report from NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Kansas City Chiefs are set to release kicker Matthew Wright and welcome Harrison Butker back to their starting lineup in Week 15.
The news comes just a day before the defending Super Bowl champions’ matchup against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field and could have huge implications for Kansas City’s special teams unit.
Butker was placed on the Chiefs’ injured reserve list on November 15, and Kansas City initially signed kicker Spencer Shrader to replace him. Shortly thereafter, Shrader was injured, which led to the Chiefs’ decision to sign Wright in Week 13.
Chiefs are releasing kicker Matthew Wright today, per source. Harrison Butker now is expected to kick Sunday vs. the Browns.
Life in the NFL: Wright was the NFL Special Teams Player of the Week on Wednesday, then released Saturday. pic.twitter.com/L2X7Mtt5fc
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 14, 2024
Wright was nearly perfect on his field goal attempts through two games in Kansas City, missing just one attempt in nine three-point tries.
Butker’s return to the starting lineup should prove to be a boon for Dave Toub’s special teams unit as the Chiefs make their push toward January’s AFC playoffs.