The San Francisco 49ers signed free agent kicker Chase McLaughlin on Thursday amid news that their regular kicker, Robbie Gould, is dealing with a strained quad and may not be able to play on Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks.
Kyle Shanahan revealed that Gould sustained his injury during Tuesday's light practice. The head coach doesn't foresee the injury being a long-term issue, though.
"I think he's got a chance to play Monday," Shanahan told reporters. "If not, we expect him back the following week."
Shanahan was asked what he knows about his new kicker, McLaughlin.
"I know he's a rookie," the coach responded. "I know he was 6-of-9 in his (field-goal) attempts. I think he was Big 10 Player of the Year, or something like that (he was actually First-Team All-Big Ten and the Bakken-Anderson Kicker of the Year in 2018).
"But I know he's, according to John (Lynch) and all the guys upstairs, according to (special teams coordinator Richard) Hightower and the special teams guys, he's the best [kicker] available, and I'm excited to have him here."
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