Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell has become a fan favorite in his eight-year tenure. After years of mediocrity at the kicking position, Boswell came out of nowhere and won the job. Since then, he's been quite excellent. In fact, he's been a top-five kicker in the NFL, sliding in just behind the likes of Justin Tucker. Even further, he has the sixth-best field goal percentage in NFL history as of now, as he sits behind five active kickers. Yep, this is the golden age of kicking.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Over a month ago, he suffered a right groin (his kicking leg) injury and was subsequently placed on the IR. That meant he would miss a minimum of four games, as the team brought back Matthew Wright for his second stint in Pittsburgh. After a bit of a shaky start, Wright has been excellent over the past few weeks. Head coach Mike Tomlin has had to use him a bit more than any coach would like, but Wright has proved himself.
On Thursday though, Boswell returned to practice. Unlike some other positions where you may be able to play through some pain, Boswell is likely fully healthy at this point. Coming back from a groin injury, for a kicker, makes it necessary to make sure he is healthy before returning him to practice. The Steelers do still have 21 days to activate him off the IR, but don't expect them to wait that long.
K Chris Boswell returned to practice today but remains on the Reserve/Injured List.https://t.co/s5ErTN3WCa
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 8, 2022
Boswell signed a four-year, $20 million deal in the offseason, which included $12.5 million guaranteed. That deal tied Tucker as the biggest contract for a kicker in NFL history. It was also his second pricey, long-term extension with the team. In 2022 though, Boswell has had some hiccups. In seven games, he's 12-for-16, with all four misses coming in the first five weeks of the season. That 75% rate would be the second-worst of his career, but fans remain confident in their kicker.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
As for his replacement this past month, Wright is 12-for-14 (85.7%) on field goal attempts in four games, while also making all seven PATs. He also replaced Harrison Butker for two games with the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this season, when he went three-for-four on field goals. While he's performed well, it's obviously still Boswell's job. Omar Khan made a point of emphasis to give Boswell an extension this past offseason in one of his first moves as general manager of the Steelers.
Yes, they've waited the full 21 days with some of their IR players this season, but the kicking position is different. Don't be surprised if he's activated in time for this weekend's huge divisional matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. While a minimal one, it would provide a jolt to a team that needs to win its third consecutive game in order to keep playoff hopes alive. If not this weekend, #9 should be back soon.
How much of an impact will Boswell's return have on this team? What have been your thoughts on Wright's performance over the last month? Do you have any concern with Boswell's four misses this season? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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