The San Francisco 49ers brought back linebacker Stone Blanton to the practice squad. Blanton signed with the team as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL Draft. He was with the practice squad as recently
as October 22, before being released on November 4. Blanton is needed as Tatum Bethune will miss time with a high-ankle sprain.
Per the transaction wire, the Niners also worked out two kickers. The team worked out three on Tuesday. Per The Athletic’s Matt Barrows, neither was signed. On Wednesday, Matt Gay and Cade York got their chances, with Eddy Pineiro nursing a Grade 1 hamstring injury.
Gay missed six of his 19 attempts with the Washington Commanders this season. The Commanders released him on Monday after he missed two kicks, including the game-winning 56-yard field goal. His other miss was from 51 yards against the Miami Dolphins. Overall, Gay was 4-for-9 this season from 50+ yards. During his career, Gay is 32-for-54 from 50+, but he has been below 50 percent in each of the past two seasons.
York last kicked with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024, going 9-for-11 and hitting his lone attempt from 50 yards. He’s 24. York did not kick in 2023. He was a fourth-round draft pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2022, but lasted only one season, as York made 75 percent of his attempts as a rookie.
So, the guy who just missed two clutch kicks and is 31, or the 24-year-old who is inexperienced?
