49ers May Call Back Jake Moody If Piñeiro Is Unavailable
With Eddy Piñeiro listed as questionable for the Week 2 game against the Miami Dolphins, the 49ers are ready to bring in a backup kicker. The team is considering former player Jake Moody, who was released by the Baltimore Ravens after a mixed 2024 season. The decision will hinge on Piñeiro’s health…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The San Francisco 49ers are on standby to replace kicker Eddy Piñeiro for the upcoming Sunday clash with the Miami Dolphins if the veteran’s illness forces him out of the game. The team has already signed a kicker to its practice squad to ensure a smooth transition should Piñeiro be unable to play.
Why Piñeiro Is Questionable
Piñeiro has been listed as questionable after missing three consecutive practices due to an undisclosed illness. He has been the team's primary kicker since September 2025, when the 49ers waived former third‑round pick Jake Moody. The 49ers have not yet confirmed whether Piñeiro will be cleared to play, leaving the coaching staff in a position of uncertainty.
Jake Moody: A Familiar Face
Moody, a 26‑year‑old Michigan product, was drafted by the 49ers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He served as the team's main kicker until the 2025 season, when he was released and replaced by Piñeiro. After his release, Moody spent the remainder of the 2024 season on short stints with the Chicago Bears and the Washington Commanders. He was eventually cut by the Baltimore Ravens, making him a free agent and a potential candidate for the 49ers’ practice squad.
During his rookie year, Moody posted solid numbers: 21‑of‑25 field‑goal attempts (84%) and 60‑of‑61 extra‑point attempts (98.4%). The following season, however, injuries and performance issues saw his field‑goal percentage drop to 70.6% over 14 games. A high‑ankle sprain in October further hampered his consistency, with a post‑injury slump of 11‑of‑20 (55%). Despite these setbacks, Moody’s experience in the 49ers’ system could prove valuable if the team needs a quick replacement.
The 49ers’ Backup Plan
Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that the team will bring in two kickers for a tryout on Saturday. While the identities of the candidates were not disclosed, one of the prospects could be Moody. Shanahan stated, “There are two guys we’re deciding on but not sure which one.” The 49ers have not yet announced whether they will sign Moody to the practice squad or pursue another free‑agent kicker.
If Piñeiro is cleared to play, the 49ers will likely retain him for the game. However, should Piñeiro’s illness prove severe, the coaching staff will need to rely on the backup kicker’s performance during the tryout. The decision will be made in the days leading up to the Dolphins matchup, with the team hoping to avoid a last‑minute scramble.
What Happens Next?
The 49ers’ front office will monitor Piñeiro’s condition closely and finalize the kicker roster by Sunday night. If Piñeiro is unavailable, the team will likely sign Moody to the practice squad and activate him for the game. The outcome will be announced in the early hours of Sunday, giving fans a clear picture of who will be on the field for the 49ers’ Week 2 showdown.
Regardless of the outcome, the 49ers’ readiness to adapt demonstrates the organization’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge. Whether the veteran Piñeiro returns or the former 49er Moody steps back into the spotlight, the team’s focus remains on securing a reliable kicking game for the season.
Key facts
- Eddy Piñeiro is questionable for Week 2 due to illness
- The 49ers have signed a backup kicker to the practice squad
- Jake Moody, a former 49er, may be re-signed
- Moody’s 2024 season was affected by injury and performance issues
- Head coach Kyle Shanahan will decide between two kickers on Saturday
- The final kicker roster will be set on Sunday
Why it matters
The 49ers’ kicking situation directly impacts their offensive strategy and game readiness. A reliable kicker can be the difference between a win and a loss, especially in close contests.
Frequently asked questions
Will Eddy Piñeiro play in the Dolphins game?
The 49ers have not confirmed Piñeiro’s status; he remains questionable.
What is Jake Moody’s current status?
Moody is a free agent after being cut by the Baltimore Ravens.
How many kickers will the 49ers try out?
Two kickers are scheduled for a tryout on Saturday.
What happens if Piñeiro is unavailable?
The 49ers will activate a backup kicker from the practice squad.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “49ers could reunite with Jake Moody as Eddy Piñeiro is questionable for Week 2”
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