Minnesota Vikings Punter Still on Thin Ice

The Minnesota Vikings had a pair of kicking competitions take place during training camp. John Parker Romo was shown the door before his place kicker battle with rookie Will Reichard even got started.

Much later on, incumbent punter Ryan Wright won that battle over Seth Vernon. Unlike Reichard, though, Wright’s job does not sound like it is safe, entering week one.

Ryan Wright’s job with Minnesota Vikings is not secure

The Minnesota Vikings employed Ryan Wright as their punter in 2022, after signing him as an undrafted rookie free agent. He punted for them in all 17 games, and looked like he might be their future at that position. Then 2023 happened, and Wright lost his foot hold (pun intended) on the job.

According to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, he’s on thin ice, even after making the 53-man roster, and needs to have a good game vs New York, or the Vikings may look elsewhere.

Already feels like he’s on thin ice. Must be dialed in Week 1 in New York.

Alec Lewis on Vikings punter Ryan Wright (The Athletic)

While Wright did post a better average per punt last season, the net yardage was down and his efficiency turned awful. Nearly 12% of his punts landed in the end zone, and almost 20% from those downed in the red zone was lopped off. To say the results were disappointing is putting it kindly.

Related: Turns Out, the Packers Didn’t Want Greg Joseph Either

Despite Wright making the roster and winning the job, there is no time for him to get comfortable. The Vikings made a move at quarterback already after Jaren Hall made the team. Green Bay also swapped out kickers on day after landing on their decision.

Minnesota needs to see Wright come out strong against the Giants in Week 1. There aren’t a significant amount of answers for the punting game. Vernon could be invited back if the Vikings aren’t satisfied out of the gate.

Ryan Wright just punted a ball like 80 yards on the fly pic.twitter.com/mWeBkb3Aq4

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) October 16, 2022

Related: Surprise: Minnesota Vikings Cut Jaren Hall, Sign New QB

The Vikings know Wright has gotten the job done previously, and they’ll need more of that in the year ahead. If Wright can recapture the ability he showed as a rookie, then Minnesota will be in very good shape. So too will his job status.