Texans Sign Veteran Kicker Matthew Wright Amid Injury Concerns
The Houston Texans have made a notable move following the NFL trade deadline, adding veteran kicker Matthew Wright to their roster. While no trades were executed by the Texans on deadline day, the team acted decisively to address a potential need at the kicker position. Wright, who has spent six seasons in the NFL, joins the Texans after a recent workout, according to reports from Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2.
Wright’s journey through the league has been a remarkable one. He has now been a member of eight NFL organizations, including high-profile stints with the Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans, and Washington Commanders. Notably, Wright was part of the Chiefs team that won the Super Bowl in 2022. His addition to the Texans marks his third team of the 2025 season alone, having previously played for the Titans and the Commanders, following a preseason with the Panthers.
Also Read:At 29 years old, Wright has demonstrated competence on the field, although his performance has fluctuated. This season, he has attempted one field goal and successfully converted it, alongside two successful extra points in two games. In 2024, he was highly accurate, converting 15 of 16 field goal attempts. However, over the three seasons spanning 2021 to 2023, his career field goal percentage of 83.7% ranked seventh-lowest among kickers with at least 40 attempts, underscoring his inconsistent performance in prior years.
The Texans’ move comes as a precautionary measure due to uncertainty surrounding incumbent kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn, who has been dealing with a lower-body injury. Fairbairn, 31, has been performing well this season, converting 22 of 25 field goals and all 12 of his point-after attempts. He remains under contract with the Texans through 2026, highlighting that Wright’s signing is intended primarily as a safeguard.
In addition to concerns at the kicker position, the Texans face a series of injury challenges across their roster. Quarterback C.J. Stroud, along with several key players including Tytus Howard, Darrell Taylor, Christian Harris, and Fairbairn, are all dealing with injuries of varying severity. Head coach DeMeco Ryans has indicated that Stroud is making progress, but the team’s injury situation remains a significant factor heading into Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Matthew Wright’s addition brings both experience and depth to a Texans roster navigating injury uncertainty. While the move may be temporary, it underscores the team’s proactive approach in maintaining readiness as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the 2025 NFL season. Wright’s journeyman career and Super Bowl experience provide the Texans with a reliable backup option, ensuring that the team is prepared no matter how the next few weeks unfold.
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