With the status of kicker Eddy Piñeiro still in doubt, the Carolina Panthers added a familiar foot.
As announced by the team on Tuesday, almost immediately after owner David Tepper was handed his $300,000 fine (interesting timing), kicker Matthew Wright has been signed to the practice squad. Wright spent part of the summer with the Panthers, appearing in all three preseason games before his release on Aug. 26.
The 27-year-old broke into the pros as undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019. But it wouldn’t be until 2020, and after a short stint with the XFL’s Tampa Bay Vipers, that the University of Central Florida product kicked in an official NFL game.
He since played three seasons in the league, also picking up stops with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 and splitting his 2022 campaign between the Kansas City Chiefs and Steelers. Wright has converted on 40 of his 46 career field goal tries and 35 of his 37 extra point attempts.
The Panthers were without Piñeiro, who injured his hamstring during pre-game warmups this past Sunday, in their Week 17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
[lawrence-related id=688553,688535,688531]