The Commanders had to decide whether to activate kicker Zane Gonzalez to the active roster or find another kicker this week after elevating Gonzalez from the practice squad for the third time this season on Sunday. They chose door number one. Gonzalez was added to the team’s 53-man roster on Monday, the team confirmed. After Austin Seibert was placed on injured reserve last week, Gonzalez returned for the victory over the Titans after filling in for Seibert in two games in November. Gonzalez is 10-of-10 on extra points and missed two field goals against Tennessee, but he made the three he attempted in November.
The Washington Commanders have added kicker Zane Gonzalez to their active roster, signaling a new phase in their special teams strategy. Gonzalez, who was initially brought in by the team as a part of their practice squad, will now have a more significant role as they continue to work on strengthening their kicking game for the remainder of the season.
Gonzalez has had an interesting and somewhat tumultuous NFL career so far, with his journey marked by several changes in teams and the constant challenge of securing a stable role. Initially drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Gonzalez showed promise as a kicker, but he also faced struggles that led to multiple stints with different teams. His time with Cleveland was short-lived, as he was waived after a rough start to his career, but he continued to find opportunities with other organizations. Most recently, Gonzalez has spent time with the Carolina Panthers, where he became a reliable kicker for a period before injuries and competition led to his departure from the team.
Despite facing setbacks in the past, Gonzalez’s leg strength and accuracy on field goals have always been regarded highly. His ability to perform in critical situations has made him a valuable asset for teams in need of a solid kicker. Now, with Washington, Gonzalez will look to make an impact and prove his worth on a team looking to stabilize its special teams unit.
