49ers Sign Punter Pat O’Donnell to Practice Squad, Release DL T.Y. McGill Jr.

What Happened

On Tuesday, August 2, 2023, the San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of punter Pat O’Donnell to the practice squad and the release of defensive lineman T.Y. McGill Jr.

What It Means

O’Donnell, a 10-year NFL veteran, is a reliable and experienced punter who has spent the majority of his career with the Chicago Bears. He has a career average of 45.4 yards per punt and has placed 303 punts inside the 20-yard line. McGill, a third-year player, was signed by the 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He appeared in 10 games for the 49ers in 2022, recording 5 tackles and 1 sack.

49ers’ Punter Situation

O’Donnell’s signing provides the 49ers with a veteran presence at the punter position. He will compete with incumbent punter Mitch Wishnowsky for the starting job. Wishnowsky, a fourth-year player, has been the 49ers’ punter since 2020. He has a career average of 46.7 yards per punt and has placed 166 punts inside the 20-yard line.

49ers’ Defensive Line Depth

McGill’s release leaves the 49ers with less depth along the defensive line. He is expected to be replaced by either rookie Osa Odighizuwa or second-year player Kalia Davis. Odighizuwa was a third-round pick by the 49ers in the 2023 NFL Draft. He is a versatile defensive lineman who can play both inside and outside. Davis is a former undrafted free agent who has shown promise in his first two seasons with the 49ers. He is a strong and physical presence on the defensive line. The 49ers are expected to make further roster moves in the coming days as they prepare for their season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 10, 2023.