Fitzgerald Cecilio

The San Francisco 49ers are possibly replacing kicker David Akers and have parted with running back Brandon Jacobs.

Akers' career-worst regular season has prompted the 49ers to consider an alternative kicker for the playoffs.

Coach Jim Harbaugh said that while Akers remains to be the team's kicker, he might get to compete for his job against anyone the 49ers might sign.

Veteran free agent Billy Cundiff, who auditioned with the 49ers on Nov. 27, has been told to expect a follow-up tryout. Former Carolina Panthers kicker Justin Medlock is also under consideration, the Sacramento Bee reported.

Akers, a 14-year veteran, converted a career-low 69 percent of his field-goal attempts this regular season,including 9 of 19 from 40 yards or longer. He made his first six attempts overall, highlighted by a record-tying 63-yarder in a season-opening win at Green Bay.

He missed his first two field-goal attempts in the 49ers' 27-13 victory Sunday in the regular-season finale, compounding a season-long skid that included missing potential game-winners in their overtime games against the St. Louis Rams. He's had three field goals blocked, and the latest was returned 90 yards for a touchdown in a Dec. 23 loss at Seattle.

Meanwhile, Jacobs was suspended for the last three regular season games on Dec. 10. Though the team didn't explain why he was being punished, Jacobs has been active on social media sites complaining about his lack of playing time.

He has called his stint with the 49ers his "worst" year.

Hampered by a left knee injury earlier this season, Jacobs would spend approximately 20 minutes before games punching the goal-post padding. He said it was his way of dealing with the frustration of the situation.

Jacobs had five carries for 7 yards while playing in only two games and being active for just three for the NFC West champions.

The 30-year-old Jacobs spent his first seven NFL seasons with the New York Giants and ran for 571 yards and seven touchdowns last season with New York as a backup to Ahmad Bradshaw. He is the fourth-leading rusher in Giants franchise history with 4,849 yards.

Even if another team picks him up, Jacobs will not be eligible to play during the postseason.

 

49ers Seek Alternative to Kicker Akers, Waive Jacobs - NFL 2012 Week 17