The Washington Commanders faced their second special teams scare before a primetime game this season, but it forced a significant change this time. Earlier in the year, punter Tress Way battled an injury but managed to play. Now, heading into their Monday night matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Commanders had to find a new kicker, as Matt Gay has been ruled out.
As a result, Matthew Wright will take over all kicking duties for Washington tonight. Here’s what you need to know about Wright and his NFL journey.
Why Did the Commanders Make a Last-Minute Kicker Change?
Gay was officially ruled out for the Commanders’ critical primetime game. In response, Washington reached out to Wright, signed him to the practice squad, and then elevated him to the active roster. He is now tasked with handling all extra points and field goals for the team.
The #Commanders signed veteran kicker Matthew Wright to the practice squad and elevated him to fill in for Matt Gay, who has been ruled out for tonight’s game at Kansas City.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 27, 2025
This move was prompted by Gay’s back problem, which has been bothering Him throughout the weekend. The Commanders added him to the injury report on Friday, and he ultimately could not recover in time for the game.
Washington had a deadline of 4 p.m. EST today to sign a new kicker and elevate him to the active roster, and they used every minute of it.
The Commanders signed K Matthew Wright to the practice squad and elevated him for tonight’s game. Matt Gay was downgraded to OUT.
So the Commanders are using a kicker they signed 5 hours before kickoff
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 27, 2025
Wright is no stranger to the NFL but has struggled to find a permanent home. He has appeared in 30 games across his career for six different teams, with nearly half of those appearances coming with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021. He has primarily served as a short-term, fill-in kicker, a role he will reprise tonight for Washington.
The Commanders will be his seventh different franchise. Interestingly, he has kicked for the Chiefs several times, giving this matchup a personal angle. He may seek revenge against Kansas City, hoping to make the team pay for releasing him twice.
Statistically, Wright has been reliable, making 87.5% of his field goal attempts and converting 42 of 44 extra points. He has already kicked for the Tennessee Titans in 2025, playing in one game where he made both of his kicks. He will aim to maintain that perfect season when he steps onto the field tonight. Meanwhile, the Commanders hope that Gay’s absence won’t be the deciding factor in what feels like a must-win game.