The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of punter Pat O’Donnell to their practice squad. To make room, defensive lineman T.Y. McGill Jr. was released from the practice squad.
O’Donnell (6-4, 220 lbs) began his nine-year NFL journey when he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round (191st overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft. Throughout his career with the Bears (2014-21), Green Bay Packers (2022), and Atlanta Falcons (2023), O’Donnell has played in 145 games, recorded 616 punts for a total of 27,764 yards (45.1 average), and participated in two playoff games, contributing 13 punts for 524 yards (40.3 average).
A 33-year-old native of Lake Worth, FL, O’Donnell’s collegiate career spanned the University of Cincinnati (2009-12) and the University of Miami (2013). During his time in college, he participated in 54 games and registered 234 punts for 10,168 yards (43.5 average).
McGill Jr. (6-0, 295 lbs) originally signed with the team’s practice squad on August 28, 2024, and appeared in one game where he recorded a single tackle.
49ers Make Roster Moves: O’Donnell Joins Practice Squad, McGill Released
The San Francisco 49ers have made a pair of roster moves as they prepare for their upcoming NFL season. The team has signed veteran punter Pat O’Donnell to the practice squad and released defensive lineman T.Y. McGill Jr.
O’Donnell Brings Experience to the Practice Squad
O’Donnell, who has over 10 seasons of experience in the league, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. He was most recently with the Chicago Bears for several years, where he consistently ranked among the top punters in the NFL.
While the 49ers have Mitch Wishnowsky as their starting punter, O’Donnell provides valuable insurance and competition within the practice squad. His presence allows the coaching staff to evaluate his abilities closely while ensuring they have a capable backup if needed.
McGill Jr.’s Release Opens Roster Spot
The release of T.Y. McGill Jr., who was signed by the 49ers earlier this offseason, creates an opening on the roster. It highlights the competitive nature of NFL training camps and the constant evaluation process teams undergo to build their ideal 53-man roster.
Impact of Roster Moves
These moves reflect the 49ers’ strategic approach to managing their roster at this stage of the season. By bringing in a seasoned punter like O’Donnell, they are prioritizing depth and experience within the special teams unit. Simultaneously, releasing McGill Jr. allows them to assess other players vying for a spot on the final roster.
Potential Scenarios:
* **O’Donnell Competes with Wishnowsky:** While Wishnowsky is the incumbent starter, O’Donnell’s arrival could spark competition within the punting unit, potentially pushing both players to elevate their performances.
* **49ers Seek Another Defensive Lineman:** The opening created by McGill Jr.’s release may lead the team to pursue another defensive lineman through free agency or trade options.
Reader Takeaways:
* The San Francisco 49ers are actively shaping their roster for the upcoming season through strategic moves like signing veteran punter Pat O’Donnell and releasing defensive lineman T.Y. McGill Jr.
* These decisions highlight the constant evaluation process within NFL teams as they strive to build a competitive 53-man roster.
