Niners Nation
On Monday, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Mitch Wishnowsky’s back flared up. The Niners signed Pat O’Donnell, who has nearly a decade of experience.
Per his agency, the San Francisco 49ers signed former Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears punter Pat O’Donnell.
During Monday’s conference call, Kyle Shanahan said punter Mitch Wishnowsky’s back flared up, “so we’re going to evaluate some treatment options this week and see how he deals these next couple days.”
Signing a punter with 616 career punts suggests the 49ers aren’t counting on Wishnowsky to punt this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Shanahan should have an update about Wishnowsky’s status later Wednesday afternoon.
O’Donnell punted with the Chicago Bears from 2015 through 2021. In 2022, he was with the Green Bay Packers. During his career, he averaged 45.1 yards per punt. In 2022, O’Donell’s 44.5-yard average ranked 29th in the league.
O’Donnell was also the holder for the Chicago Bears. Jake Moody made the game-winning field goal in Week 10 but also missed half of his kicks. The 49ers are going into a divisional game with a new placeholder. O’Donnell must’ve gotten positive reviews for the Niners to trust him in this spot.
Unless they turn to Kyle Juszczyk.
