49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro sits out third straight practice ahead of Week 2 matchup with Miami

San Francisco may have a roster question to resolve before Sunday’s Week 2 game against the Miami Dolphins: the status of starting kicker Eddy Pineiro, who has now missed three consecutive days of practice due to an illness.

According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area — the regional network operated by Comcast — Pineiro, 31, was absent from Friday’s session, extending an absence that has stretched across the entire practice week. As of Friday morning, the 49ers had not yet brought in another kicker for a workout, though head coach Kyle Shanahan subsequently told reporters the team plans to at least evaluate a free-agent option ahead of the weekend.

Pineiro is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s contest, along with rookie running back Kaelon Black, who is dealing with a groin injury. The 49ers enter the game at 1-0 and are looking to open the season with consecutive wins.

Any extended absence would be notable given how productive Pineiro was in his first season with the club. Across 14 games last year, the seven-year veteran converted 28 of 29 field goal attempts — a 96.6% success rate that led the league — and connected on 34 of 38 extra points (89.5%). That performance prompted San Francisco to sign him to a $17 million contract extension during the offseason, locking in what had been one of the most accurate legs in the NFL.

The timing adds a layer of uncertainty to a game the 49ers would prefer to approach with continuity. If Pineiro cannot suit up, the team would need to sign an outside option with limited practice time, a scenario that has tripped up teams around the league in past seasons when midweek kicker changes have been required. Alternatively, San Francisco could lean on its roster flexibility and simply elevate a practice squad player if one is available, though no such move has been reported.

Shanahan’s indication that a tryout is planned suggests the coaching staff is preparing contingencies rather than confirming Pineiro will miss the game. Final injury designations and any corresponding roster moves are typically resolved in the 48 hours before kickoff.

What to watch

• Whether Pineiro returns to practice over the weekend or is formally ruled out ahead of Sunday’s kickoff.
• Any roster transaction involving a kicker — a signing or workout would signal the team is preparing to play without him.
• Kaelon Black’s status with the groin injury, as both players are currently questionable.
• Friday afternoon practice reports from beat reporters covering the team for updates on injury designations.

Source: original release