On Tuesday, the 49ers signaled their expectation for veteran kicker Jake Moody to return for the team’s Week 10 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 49ers released kicker Anders Carlson from the practice squad in a move that opens a spot for the return of safety Tashaun Gipson. This likely signifies Moody’s readiness to resume his role as the team’s starting kicker after missing the past three games due to a high right ankle sprain.
Moody On The Mend
Moody, a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, said on Monday that he is progressing well from the injury he sustained during the October 6th game against the Arizona Cardinals. During a kickoff return, the young kicker sustained an injury while attempting to make a tackle.
“I’m slowly working my way back to on-the-field stuff,” Moody stated. “I’m just progressing, making sure I’m doing all the steps needed—not rushing straight back into it, just taking one step at a time.”
After his injury, the 49ers chose to keep Moody on the 53-man roster instead of placing him on injured reserve. This move suggests the team was confident in his ability to return to action in the near future.
Carlson Filled In Admirably
In Moody’s absence, the 49ers initially signed Matthew Wright to handle the team’s kicking duties. However, a shoulder injury Wright sustained while attempting a tackle in the Week 6 game against the Seattle Seahawks led to his immediate placement on injured reserve.
The team then signed Carlson to the practice squad and elevated him twice to assume the kicking duties. The second-year kicker, formerly of the Green Bay Packers, made all five of his field goal attempts, including successful kicks from 55 and 50 yards. He did miss one extra point, and only two of his 10 kickoffs went for touchbacks.
Moody’s Impact
Moody, the 49ers’ highly touted rookie kicker, was 13 of 14 on field-goal attempts and 12-for-12 on extra points in five games before his injury. He had also recorded touchbacks on 23 of his 28 kickoffs, showcasing his strong leg and accuracy.
The 49ers’ decision to release Carlson from the practice squad suggests they are confident in Moody’s ability to return to his starting role and provide stability to the team’s special teams unit as they make a push for the playoffs.
Gipson Rejoins The Niners
In a related move, the 49ers also claimed defensive tackle Khalil Davis off waivers and agreed to sign safety Tashaun Gipson to the practice squad. Gipson, a former Jacksonville Jaguars safety, is rejoining the 49ers after spending the last two seasons with the team.
During his time with the 49ers, Gipson started 39 games in the regular season and playoffs, recording an average of 142 tackles, six interceptions, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. His return to the team’s practice squad could provide depth and experience to the secondary as the 49ers prepare for the final stretch of the season.
As the 49ers continue to solidify their roster and welcome back key contributors like Moody, the team remains focused on making a deep postseason run. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly anticipating Moody’s return to action and the potential impact he can have on the team’s special teams unit.
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