The Washington Commanders faced an interesting dilemma on Wednesday, with both Zane Gonzalez and Greg Joseph absent for non-football reasons.
Per head coach Dan Quinn, both of Washington's kickers are expecting the imminent births of their respective children.
Both of Washington's kickers, Zane Gonzalez and Greg Joseph, are out today for "some exciting personal news for their families," Coach Dan Quinn said. Both.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 18, 2024
"DNP-pending kiddos."
It's a strange coincidence, and an unfortunate one for Washington to have to practice without either of them. Nevertheless, congratulations are in order for both young men and their families.
Joseph kicked last Sunday for Washington in its 20-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints, filling in for an injured Gonzalez. He went 2-for-3 on field goal attempts in his first appearance for the Commanders, and made both of his extra points.
Gonzalez, who had been Washington's kicker since Austin Seibert was placed on injured reserve, is expected to return to starting duties when available. In three appearances for the Commanders, he's made three of his four field goal attempts and all 10 of his extra points.
Washington has used four different kickers in 2024, with Cade York starting in Week 1 but being immediately waived as he missed both his attempts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Seibert then took over and remained in the Commanders' lineup until his injury took him out of commission.
Washington's lack of consistency in the special teams unit has been arguably its biggest weakness this season, and both kickers being temporarily unavailable won't help. But at least they have a good reason for it.
