Report: 49ers add kicker to practice squad Thursday

The San Francisco 49ers have addressed their problem at the kicker spot, finding some insurance for rookie Jake Moody this week.

The 49ers have reportedly agreed to sign veteran Matthew Wright to the practice squad Thursday. Wright will serve as the team’s backup to Moody for now, filling in if the rookie can’t suit up for the regular-season opener.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news Thursday, with local media confirming it thereafter.

The #49ers are signing veteran kicker Matthew Wright to the practice squad, per @AdamSchefter pic.twitter.com/JDdWARk9dd

— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) August 31, 2023

Wright, 27, has played for three other teams before the 49ers, becoming a Super Bowl Champion with the Kansas City Chiefs last season. Going undrafted in 2019, the Pennsylvania native played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020, making all of his 11 kicks that season. He has bounced around the NFL since then, playing for the Jaguars as well.

While his inclusion on the 49ers will likely be short-term, Wright’s experience with the Steelers may have gotten him the job. San Francisco starts their 2023 regular season in Pittsburgh on Sept. 10th.

“I had no idea there were this many kickers out there,” 49ers general manager John Lynch joked Wednesday. “I’ve got more texts from people who kicked at one point in their life, pop warner to very accomplished kickers. So, that process has been good as well. Jake Moody’s tracking well. His recovery’s going well, but we’ll be prepared for anything.”

“Still fluid. Most likely we’ll have one by the end of this weekend. But yeah, I am encouraged how [Moody’s] been this week,” coach Kyle Shanahan stated.

Reports also indicated that Wright was on hand for the 49ers’ practice Thursday, appearing on the sidelines as he has not been officially signed yet.

Today's practice observations:
* New K Matthew Wright on hand as an observer, but he's not signed yet. (Team will have to drop someone from psquad)
* No George Kittle, Jordan Mason, Oren Burks, Talanoa Hufanga, Dre Greenlaw and Tashaun Gipson. All working out off to side.

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) August 31, 2023

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