Who Should I Start? Zane Gonzalez or Kaimi Fairbairn

Tuesday, September 5, 6:14 PM

San Francisco 49ers kicker Zane Gonzalez (calf) has been released by the team in order to clear some cap space on Tuesday. The 49ers placed the veteran kicker on IR last week as they pared their roster down to 53 players and he is now free to sign with any team, although, that may be difficult with his current injury. 2023 third-round pick, Jake Moody (quad) is expected to be the 49ers starting kicker once the regular season begins but he's dealing with an injury himself. San Francisco signed Matthew Wright as a backup if Moody can't suit up on Sunday at Pittsburgh. The 49ers are loaded at pretty much every position group on their roster but kicker, as it stands right now, is not one of them. They may need to bring in another reliable veteran kicking option if Moody's recovery takes longer than expected.

Thursday, September 14, 6:47 PM

Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn was perfect on field goals in Week 1, and he'll look to carry that perfection into a Week 2 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. The kicker nailed three attempts from 38 yards, 36 yards, and 35 yards last week in Baltimore. It was an easy week for Fairbairn, who kicked just three short-field goals for Houston. After only missing two tries last year, the Texans' kicker is already off to a great start in 2023. But, with a rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud under center, the team could struggle offensively to get into Fairbairn's range. For now, he should only be started in deep leagues in Week 2.