The Pittsburgh Steelers have dealt with a plethora of injuries this season. The main one and a huge reason as to why the team is 2-6 was the torn pectoral that T.J. Watt suffered in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Another underrated, but key player of the team has recently been dealing with a groin injury that he suffered prior to the organization's Week 8 bout versus the Philadelphia Eagles. Rookie kicker, Nick Sciba was signed to the active roster to replace Chris Boswell and he dressed for the game in Philadelphia. Ahead of Week 10's matchup against the New Orleans Saints, a different kicker, but familiar face was signed on Wednesday.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 03: Kicker Matthew Wright #16 of the Pittsburgh Steelers kicks off during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Steelers 24-22. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Matthew Wright kicked for the Steelers in 2020 and was a perfect 4/4 on field goals and 7/7 on extra points. It is still early in the week so there is no way to say who will be doing the kicking duties for Pittsburgh this weekend, but the addition of Wright certainly should raise concern. Him being added this early in the week and off of another team's practice squad means Boswell won't be able to go for the second consecutive game and possibly longer.
Wright spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this season as their kicker, Harrison Butker was dealing with an injury. He was 3/4 kicking field goals, one of them being 59 yards, and a perfect 8/8 on extra point attempts. His familiarity with the organization is likely the main reason he was signed on Wednesday as the Steelers signed him off of the Chiefs' practice squad. When that happens, it means that the player needs to remain on the roster for at least three games. Boswell could be out for the majority or all of November.
The #Steelers signed K Matthew Wright to the 53-man roster from the #Chiefs practice squad, meaning he has to be on the roster for 3 games. Not a good sign for Chris Boswell, who is dealing with a groin injury.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 9, 2022
Steelers kicker, Chris Boswell (#9) walks on the field at St. Vincent College during 2022 training camp. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Boswell, who signed a four-year, $20 million extension prior to the season starting could be out for a while and if the team struggles this month, the front office and coaching staff could decide to shelve him for the entire season to protect his longterm health. Don't be surprised if Watt is activated to play against the Saints and in a corresponding move, Boswell heads to IR and is one the sidelines for at least four games.
Does the signing of Wright give you concerns about Boswell's health? Let us know in the comments below!
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