Mitch Wishnowsky Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Bills vs Texans game on Thursday with our National Football League injury report.May 28, 2025
Dropped by 49ers
Wishnowsky (back) was released by the 49ers on Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
The 33-year-old finished San Francisco's 2024 campaign on injured reserve due to a back injury, but it appears he's moved past the issue after being released without an injury designation Wednesday. Wishnowsky served as the 49ers' punter for six seasons prior to his release, accumulating 12,700 net yards and 138 punts inside the 20-yard line over 92 regular-season games. In a corresponding move, San Francisco inked a deal with 16-year veteran punter Thomas Morstead.
Nov 17, 2024
Officially placed on IR
The 49ers placed Wishnowsky (back) on injured reserve Saturday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
A back injury will force Wishnowsky to miss at least the next four regular-season games, making Week 15 against the Rams on Thursday, Dec. 12 the earliest he can return. Pat O'Donnell will serve as the 49ers' punter with Wishnowsky sidelined.
Nov 15, 2024
Won't play Week 11
Wishnowsky (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.
ANALYSIS
Wishnowsky has been unable to practice all week due to a back issue, and head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday that Wishnowsky is a candidate to go on injured reserve, per Clayton Holloway of NFL.com. Pat O'Donnell will likely be called up from the practice squad to serve as the 49ers' punter for Week 11.
Aug 12, 2024
Moves past knee issue
Wishnowsky (knee) played in Saturday's preseason opener against Tennessee.
ANALYSIS
Wishnowsky missed multiple practices due to knee irritation, but he was able to take the field in the 49ers' first exhibition contest. That suggests he'll be good to go for the regular season, barring any setbacks.
Aug 6, 2024
Sidelined with knee issue
Wishnowsky has not been practicing due to knee irritation, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Wishnowsky enters the season as San Francisco's presumed starting punter for the fifth straight season. That being said, the team may opt to bring in another option for the time being with their first preseason game set to come Saturday on the road against the Titans.
Jul 27, 2023
Activated from injury list
Wishnowsky (back) was activated by the 49ers from the non-football injury list Thursday, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The punter tweaked his back during a weightlifting session and had been out before passing a physical Thursday morning. Wishnowsky has been San Francisco's punter since the team selected him in the fourth round of the 2019 draft. After signing a four-year extension during the 2022 season, his spot appears secure as long as he's healthy.
Jul 25, 2023
Moved to NFI list
The 49ers have placed Wishnowsky on their active/NFI list due to a back injury, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Wishnowsky agreed to a four-year contract extension with San Francisco in September of 2022 and is currently the only punter on its roster. The severity of his back injury is unknown at this time, but more clarity will be gained as camp progresses.
Sep 20, 2022
Inks four-year deal
The 49ers signed Wishnowsky to a four-year contract extension Saturday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Wishnowsky's extension is worth a maximum of $13 million, reportedly. The 2019 fourth-round pick has averaged 41.2 yards per punt since joining the 49ers.
Jan 15, 2022
Clears concussion protocol
Wishnowsky has cleared the league's concussion protocol and doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's wild-card matchup against Dallas.
ANALYSIS
Wishnowsky sustained his concussion during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Rams. However, he won't be forced to miss the playoff opener.
Jan 14, 2022
Questionable, expected to play
Wishnowsky (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's Wildcard game versus the Cowboys but is expected to play, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Wishnowsky still has another step to complete in the league's concussion protocol, but he is expected to get their before kickoff Sunday. He is the only punter on the 49ers roster and is the holder for kicker Robbie Gould.
Jan 9, 2022
Will not return
Wishnowsky (concussion) will not return Sunday against the Rams, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Wishnowsky took the hit that knocked him out of the game in the first half. With Wishnowksy out, kicker Robbie Gould is expected to fill in at punter.
Jan 9, 2022
Suffers injury
Wishnowksy has left the 49ers' game against the Rams early and is being evaluated for a concussion, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Wishnowsky is questionable to return. While he is out, the 49ers will be down their punter.
Jan 1, 2022
Out of COVID-19 protocols
Wishnowsky (illness) has exited the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.
ANALYSIS
This is an excellent outcome for the 49ers, as Wishnowsky will be available for Sunday's contest against the Texans. Otherwise, San Francisco would've had to sign another punter since they don't have another one in the active roster or their practice squad.
Dec 27, 2021
Enters COVID protocols
Wishnowsky (illness) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.
ANALYSIS
Wishnowsky will try to produce two negative COVID tests more than 24 hours apart before Sunday, when the 49ers host Houston. If not, The 49ers will likely have to sign another punter, as they currently don't have one on their active roster or practice squad.
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