The Washington Commanders faced an unusual situation this week as both of their kickers missed practice on Wednesday. The kicker on the active roster, Zane Gonzalez, and his backup, Greg Joseph, were absent from training for a heartwarming reason: both were welcoming new children into their families.
Head coach Dan Quinn shared this news with reporters, conveying the excitement surrounding the personal milestones for both players. “Both kickers are out today. Hopefully, exciting personal news for their families today,” Quinn said. “Never a dull moment around here, man. We keep it exciting all the time.” The coach humorously speculated about the potential for a twin situation if both babies were born on the same day.
This is a memorable moment for both Gonzalez and Joseph, who both got married earlier this year and were anticipating the arrival of their first sons. According to reports, Gonzalez’s wife, Lizzy, has since delivered a healthy baby boy. As for Joseph, updates regarding his wife’s delivery are yet to come.
While the absence of two kickers poses challenges for the Commanders, there is some good news. Typically, kickers do not begin their practice sessions until Thursday, which means they still have some time to make it back to the field ahead of their Sunday game against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, should both kickers remain unavailable, punter Tress Way will step in to handle kicking duties.
Tress Way appears to be prepared for the opportunity, noting that he practices field goals once a year in case of such emergencies. “I spend one day per year kicking field goals to practice for such an occasion,” he explained, mentioning that he held his practice just last week. Way also indicated that his kicking range could reach between 40 to 45 yards.
As for the competition ahead, the Commanders currently hold a record of 9-5, which positions them for a playoff spot in the NFC. However, they must keep a close watch on the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks, who are both right behind them at 8-6. The upcoming matchup against the Eagles will be crucial for the Commanders’ playoff aspirations.
While the situation could be seen as a challenge, the positive family news surrounding Gonzalez and Joseph shines through as a testament to the dual joys of sports and personal life. Fans of the Commanders will certainly be hoping for a swift return to the field for both kickers as the team looks to solidify its playoff chances in the coming weeks.
In summary, the Washington Commanders are navigating a unique situation with their kicking squad, but with a sense of humor and positivity from their head coach, the team is showing resilience amidst the uncertainties. Whether on the field or off, the spirit of the game continues, highlighting that life’s important moments extend beyond the football field.
