49ers sign Gay to replace injured K Piñeiro, releasing Gage to make room

The San Francisco 49ers have signed kicker Matt Gay to their practice squad as a temporary replacement for the injured Eddy Piñeiro.

Why it matters: The 49ers find themselves in a critical situation as they grapple with Piñeiro's grade 1 hamstring strain, which leaves them without a key player at an essential position.

• Coach Kyle Shanahan has indicated that Piñeiro will be "week-to-week," highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his return.
• Special teams play is vital in tight games, and having a reliable kicker can make the difference in playoff aspirations.

What's new: The 49ers acted swiftly by bringing in Gay after evaluating multiple options.

• Among the kickers considered were Anders Carlson, John Parker Romo, Tanner Brown, and Cade York, showcasing the team's proactive approach to ensuring stability on special teams.
• Gay’s experience in the NFL, including stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, and Indianapolis Colts, gives him a wealth of knowledge that could benefit the 49ers in the coming weeks.

By the numbers: Gay's career statistics reflect a proven track record, despite his recent struggles with the Commanders.

• In 10 games with Washington, he completed 68.4% of his field goal attempts (13-of-19) and made all 22 extra points.
• Overall, Gay boasts an impressive 84% success rate on field goals across 212 attempts in his career, indicating that he can perform under pressure when needed.

Yes, but: While Gay has demonstrated potential, his recent release from the Commanders raises questions about his current form.

• He missed two crucial field goals in an overtime loss to the Dolphins, which may have contributed to his departure from Washington.
• The 49ers will need to assess whether Gay can regain his confidence and consistency quickly.

What to watch: The performance of Gay in practices and potential game scenarios will be crucial in determining his future with the team.

• With significant offensive talent like Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel, the 49ers' scoring opportunities might hinge on Gay's reliability in converting field goals and extra points during games.
• As the team prepares for upcoming matchups, keeping track of how effectively Gay integrates into the 49ers’ kicking unit will be essential.

The bottom line: The 49ers' quick move to sign Matt Gay reflects their urgency in addressing the absence of Eddy Piñeiro while also emphasizing the importance of special teams as they continue their pursuit of success this season.