Cedar Crest grad kicks game-winning field goal in debut with Arizona Cardinals [video]

A whirlwind week for Chad Ryland ended with him kicking a game-winning field goal.

The Cedar Crest grad, signed by the Arizona Cardinals Tuesday and elevated from the practice squad Saturday, connected from 35 yards with 1:40 remaining to lift the Cardinals over the San Francisco 49ers 24-23 Sunday.

"They were going nuts for him in the locker room and half the guys don't even know him," Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon told Darren Urban of azcardinals.com.

Huge road win for the #Cardinals and a clutch kick by Chad Ryland, who was signed off the street five days ago.Meanwhile, the #49ers fall to 2-3. pic.twitter.com/XQFsPTkhXd
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 6, 2024

Ryland was looking for another opportunity after being released by the New England Patriots in August. The former University of Maryland standout was a fourth-round pick by the Patriots in the 2023 draft.

The second-year pro’s debut with the Cardinals had some ups and downs. Ryland made 3-of-4 attempts with the other successful kicks coming from 30 and 42 yards. His one miss, from 45 yards, was blocked and returned for a touchdown.

The Cardinals rallied from a 23-10 halftime deficit. The go-ahead field goal came at the end of a 14-play drive.

"You always stay ready, and I had the same mindset when I was on my couch those four weeks," Ryland told azcardinals.com.

Matt Prater, the Cardinals’ regular kicker, is dealing with left knee soreness. That created the opening for Ryland. It’s unclear if Prater will be able to return for Week 6.

Ryland was a coveted prospect entering the NFL Draft 18 months ago. As a rookie, he made 16-of-25 attempts, including 7-of-14 from beyond 40 yards. The Patriots parted ways with Ryland and replaced him with Joey Slye.

The three field goals against the 49ers matched Ryland’s career high, set against the Buffalo Bills last season.