Kansas City Chiefs release kicker Matthew Wright as Harrison Butker is set to return

The Kansas City Chiefs are releasing kicker Matthew Wright as Harrison Butker is set to return this week and is expected to play in the Week 15 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

A week after Wright successfully kicked a game-winning 31-yard field goal in a thrilling 19-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, which secured the Chiefs’ ninth consecutive AFC West title and their 15th straight win, the Chiefs have decided to part ways with Wright. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Butker has been activated from the injured reserve list and is expected to start in the Week 15 game against the Browns.

The announcement of Matthew Wright’s release caught many off guard. According to Schefter’s tweet: “The Chiefs are releasing kicker Matthew Wright today, per a source. Harrison Butker is now expected to kick on Sunday against the Browns. Such is life in the NFL: Wright was named the NFL Special Teams Player of the Week on Wednesday, then released on Saturday.”

Chiefs are releasing kicker Matthew Wright today, per source. Harrison Butker now is expected to kick Sunday vs. the Browns.

Life in the NFL: Wright was the NFL Special Teams Player of the Week on Wednesday, then released Saturday. pic.twitter.com/L2X7Mtt5fc

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 14, 2024