The 49ers have signed their second kicker in two weeks, bringing Anders Carlson onto their practice squad, as reported by Tom Silverstein. This move comes after Matthew Wright separated his shoulder during a tackle against the Seahawks, leaving his availability for this week uncertain. Wright was previously signed to replace Jake Moody, who is on Injured Reserve due to an ankle injury sustained in a tackle against the Cardinals.
Carlson’s addition indicates that the 49ers are still uncertain about Wright’s readiness for their upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs, who boast one of the league’s top kickers, Harrison Butker. If Wright is unable to kick, the team can make him inactive and promote Carlson on Saturday.
Carlson, drafted in the sixth round by the Packers last year, had a disappointing stint with the team. In a playoff game against the 49ers, he missed a critical 41-yard field goal that could have given Green Bay a 7-point lead with just over six minutes left, ultimately contributing to their three-point loss. This missed opportunity led to his release from the Packers.
Now, Carlson serves as the 49ers’ backup kicker. If Wright is healthy, Carlson will not see action. Once Moody returns, both Wright and Carlson are likely to be let go, as no team wants to depend on either kicker long-term. Unfortunately for the 49ers, they find themselves in a situation where they have little choice but to rely on their newly signed kicker as they navigate their injury challenges.
