It’s been a frustrating year for the Washington Commanders and the kicking position. With Austin Seibert on injured reserve, his replacement, Zane Gonzalez, popped up on the injury report this week with a left foot injury.
So, on Friday, Washington, unlike other teams, is preparing for the event that Gonzalez isn’t 100% for Sunday’s game against the Saints, signing veteran kicker Greg Joseph to the practice squad.
The Commanders will decide on Gonzalez’s status by Saturday afternoon so that they’ll know if they need to elevate Joseph to the 53-man roster for Sunday.
Washington’s kicking problems began in June when veteran Brandon McManus was released due to an off-field issue. The Commanders had just signed McManus in March. They signed multiple kickers throughout OTAs and training camp before sending a conditional draft pick to the Browns for Cade York. York struggled in the Week 1 loss to the Buccaneers and was released. Washington signed Seibert, who was excellent until he suffered a right hip injury that cost him two games.
When he returned in Week 12, he missed a field goal and two extra points, going on IR the next day. Gonzalez, who filled in for the two games Seibert missed, was signed to the 53-man roster ahead of Week 13.
Joseph, 30, has kicked for several NFL teams, enjoying his greatest success with the Vikings from 2021-23. He kicked in six games for the Giants this season in place of the injured Graham Gano. Joseph also spent time with the Packers and Lions this season.
In some good news, Gonzalez practiced fully on Thursday and Friday, but was listed as questionable for the game.
To make room for Joseph, the Commanders released wide receiver Michael Strachan from the practice squad.
