SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Billy Cundiff, sporting a crisp new white No. 6 jersey, had an impressive first day of practice with the San Francisco 49ers while kicking alongside struggling veteran David Akers as coach Jim Harbaugh closely watched.
Cundiff signed a one-year contract Tuesday with the NFC West champion Niners (11-4-1) to compete with Akers to determine who kicks for San Francisco in the NFC divisional playoffs Jan. 12 at Candlestick Park.
The 32-year-old Cundiff, who missed a potential tying 32-yard field goal in the closing seconds of the AFC championship game that sent New England to the Super Bowl last season instead of the Baltimore Ravens, connected from as far out as 55 yards Thursday afternoon while using a portable holder. He was 10 of 12 overall, including 7 for 8 with Andy Lee holding.
Akers went 16 for 21 in an unofficial media count during the open portion of practice.
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