Will Eddy be ready for Week 1? He seems to think so.
Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Piñeiro, who has been sidelined this preseason with a groin injury, spoke to reporters following Wednesday’s practice. When asked about how he’s coming along, the 27-year-old expressed some confidence.
“I’m feeling great,” he said. “Just had like a little groin strain at the beginning of camp. But I feel amazing now. Just being careful with the whole situation.”
After a standout 2022 campaign, one where he booted through 33 of his 35 field goal tries and 30 of his 32 extra point attempts, Piñeiro signed a new two-year deal with the Panthers this April. Since sustaining the groin injury, however, he has given way to recent free-agent addition Matthew Wright—who has converted on each of his three kicks this preseason.
But even with a steady plan to return and a steady replacement in his position, Piñeiro is ready to get back as soon as Friday.
“I think it would be great,” he replied when asked of playing in the final exhibition outing. “I feel like I have some good game experience. But, obviously, it’s good to be out there and have some guys rush at you and try to block your kick and mentally get going. I would love it. I would love it.
“But again, I leave it up to him [Frank Reich]. Put me in Coach. I’m ready.”
Ah. Well, perhaps we can just call him . . . Ready Piñeiro.
