Monday, January 21, 2013
49ers sticking with Akers?
By Tim Kavanagh
Leading into the San Francisco 49ers' playoff opener against the Green Bay Packers, the club held an impromptu placekicker battle between incumbent David Akers -- who'd been shaky during the regular season -- and Billy Cundiff (who you may remember missing a potential game-tying FG in last season's AFC championship game). The Niners stuck with Akers, and he was 1-for-1 against the Packers in the divisional round. Then, in the NFC championship game on Sunday, his lone FG attempt clunked off the top of the upright.
As the 49ers continue their preparations for the Super Bowl, it's not guaranteed that Akers will be a part of the roster that goes to New Orleans.
"I'm here until they tell me otherwise," Akers said from outside the locker room on Sunday, per the San Francisco Chronicle.
If the Niners do want to bring someone in to challenge Akers this week, it can't be Cundiff. Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area explains that since the NFL's waiver process won't transact again until after the Super Bowl, Cundiff can't be signed by San Francisco (or anyone) this season. So who is available? The best option could be Neil Rackers, who, like Cundiff, has attended workouts around the league this season.
