Kansas City Chiefs release kicker Matthew Wright as Harrison Butker is set to return

The Kansas City Chiefs are releasing kicker Matthew Wright as Harrison Butker is set to return this week and is expected to play in the Week 15 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

A week after Wright successfully kicked a game-winning 31-yard field goal in a thrilling 19-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, which secured the Chiefs' ninth consecutive AFC West title and their 15th straight win, the Chiefs have decided to waive him. Butker has been activated from the injured reserve list and is expected to start in the Week 15 game against the Browns.

Butker is anticipated to return after undergoing knee surgery in November to repair a torn meniscus. He has been sidelined for the past month as he recovers from the procedure. This is the second time Butker has missed multiple games due to injury; he also sustained a sprained ankle during the 2022 season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chiefs release Matthew Wright as Harrison Butker is set to return