Connect with us

Steelers News

Mike Tomlin: Matthew Wright Will Still be Kicker vs. Bengals

Published

on

Steelers 49ers kicker Matthew Wright

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers will move forward with Matthew Wright as their kicker during Chris Boswell’s absence due to a right groin injury, Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday.

It is no surprise, as the Steelers must keep Wright on their active roster for at least three weeks after signing him off the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad. Hitting a career-long of 59 earlier in the 2022 season, Tomlin invoked confidence in the kicker after the game despite missing two field goals against the New Orleans Saints.

“We’ve had success with him,” Tomlin said. “He left here and had continual success in the league. I think he was 21 of 24 in J’ville [Jacksonville]. He’s been successful in the league. We were comfortable with that information not only in terms of what he’s done in the National Football League but what he’s done here with us. So, it wasn’t a long or significant discussion. Not necessary.”

Indeed, prior to Sunday, Wright’s career average was more than solid by NFL standards. His 21 of 24 outing with the Jacksonville Jaguars gave the Steelers plenty of confidence in Wright coming in, but Tomlin acknowledged that Wright would have to come in and do a better job as an NFL kicker.

Still, the Steelers might be stuck with Matthew Wright for the near future. With that in mind, Danny Smith will put his energy into making sure that Wright improves after a rough first outing back in the Steel City.