Who Should I Start? Eddy Piñeiro or Matt Gay

Saturday, November 22, 6:13 PM

San Francisco 49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. This doesn't come as a surprise after Pineiro failed to practice at all this week. His absence will likely result in Matt Gay being elevated from the practice squad. He figures to serve as the kicker for at least one week with Pineiro having a chance to return in Week 13. Gay has spent most of the season with the Washington Commanders, making 13-of-19 field goal attempts. He has struggled this season, so there should be better streaming options out there ahead of Week 12.

Wednesday, November 19, 7:06 PM

The San Francisco 49ers signed free-agent kicker Matt Gay to their practice squad on Wednesday and released wide receiver Russell Gage Jr. from their practice squad in a corresponding move, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Eddy Pineiro (hamstring) suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain in the Week 11 win over the Arizona Cardinals and is not expected to be available to kick this coming Monday night against the Carolina Panthers. Gay was just waived by the Washington Commanders on Monday after missing two kicks in a three-point loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday in Madrid. The 31-year-old veteran looks like he'll be the 49ers' short-term replacement at place kicker with Pineiro injured, but fantasy managers should be looking to stay away. The seven-year veteran has been inconsistent, making 13 of his 19 field-goal tries in 10 games, including going 4-for-9 from 50-plus yards out.