The Kansas City Chiefs’ injuries continue to pile up in 2024, with another week of scrambling to replace another injured kicker. Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub explained the challenge of adjusting to new kickers during a press conference earlier in the week.
“It’s been – it’s an adventure, really. I mean, a lot of credit goes to our long snapper (James Winchester) and our holder, Matt Araiza,” said Toub. “Getting those guys and spending the time and figuring them out exactly how he wants – how the kicker wants the holds because it’s different for each kicker. He’s done a really good job with that. It says a lot about them and their professionalism.”
On Black Friday, Wright stepped in for Spencer Shrader against the Las Vegas Raiders. Shrader had recently been placed on injured reserve alongside Butker. He connected on four of five field goal attempts, with the only miss being well over 50 yards. The adjustments on special teams to accommodate were challenging, especially for inexperienced holder Matt Ariaza.
“He’s (Matt Araiza) a quick learner,” said Toub. “(Harrison) Butker really trained him well and he’s able to take these guys and just adjust. He’s just a good football player – and a good tackler too (laughter).”
After playing two games with them in the 2022 season, Wright played his first game back with the Chiefs in Week 13. He tied a single-game career-high with four made field goals.