The San Francisco 49ers are signing kicker Chase McLaughlin to a one-year deal, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The addition is due to the current kicker, Robbie Gould, dealing with a strained quad, per the report.
Sources: #49ers kicker Robbie Gould has a strained quad that puts his availability very much in doubt for Monday night vs. the #Seahawks and SF is signing FA K Chase McLaughlin.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 7, 2019
Gould took part in the 49ers' Tuesday practice this week, and it is not yet known what move San Francisco will make to fit McLaughlin on the roster.
Update: The 49ers officially announced the Chase McLaughlin signing, and that the team has waived tackle Sam Young to make room for the kicker on the roster.
The 49ers signed Gould to a multi-year deal on July 15 after a lengthy contract dispute, which forced the kicker to miss the entire offseason leading to training camp. The 15-year veteran has connected on just 13 of his 20 field-goal attempts this season with his longest coming in at 47 yards, but he has connected on each of his 26 extra-point attempts.
McLaughlin entered the league this year as an undrafted free agent with the Buffalo Bills, who waived him on August 31. He spent a brief time on the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad before signing with the Los Angeles Chargers on October 1 after an injury to kicker Michael Badgley.
The Chargers waived McLaughlin on October 29 after he connected on six of his nine field-goal attempts and went 7-for-7 on extra points.
Young signed with the 49ers on September 20 and appeared in four games with the team.
Update: Gould's injury is not considered to be serious or a long-term issue, according to Rapoport.
Notes: Robbie Gould's strained quad is not serious, source said, and certainly not considered long-term. … Chase McLaughlin filled in for the #Chargers and went 6 of 9 on FGs and 7 of 7 on PATs. https://t.co/u5FSbSi19k
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 7, 2019