Panthers elevate Matthew Wright, Deonte Brown for Week 18
The Carolina Panthers probably won’t be ending their 2023 campaign with the same foot they started it with.
As expected, the team has elevated kicker Matthew Wright from the practice squad ahead of their regular-season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Darin Gantt of Panthers.com was first with the news on Saturday afternoon.
Carolina’s usual place kicker Eddy Piñeiro tweaked his hamstring during pre-game warmups of last week’s matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Piñeiro, who did not appear in the 26-0 loss, has been ruled as doubtful for tomorrow.
Wright was signed to the practice squad on Tuesday. The 27-year-old spent part of the summer with the Panthers, having kicked in all three preseason outings while Piñeiro dealt with a groin strain.
Joining Wright on the game day roster will be guard Deonte Brown. Brown, a sixth-round pick by Carolina back in 2021, has appeared in three NFL games—all of which came during his rookie season.
