49ers' Kyle Shanahan addresses Eddy Piñeiro, Jacob Cowing struggles

The San Francisco 49ers took a 13-3 lead over the Washington Commanders with just over four minutes remaining in the first quarter on Monday night. The lead would have been 14-3 had kicker Eddy Piñeiro converted the extra point following running back Christian McCaffrey's three-yard touchdown run.

That miss could have proved costly late in the game. Trailing 23-17, the Commanders had multiple chances to score a game-winning touchdown in the final minutes. Had Piñeiro made the extra point, the 49ers would have held a seven-point lead instead of a six-point lead.

Fortunately for San Francisco, the defense made key stops late to preserve the 23-17 win.

Piñeiro was highly consistent last season, but he has missed three field-goal attempts in 2026. Monday night's miss was also his third failed extra-point attempt in 22 tries. Those struggles must concern the coaching staff, especially if the 49ers find themselves in another close game.

"He's got to make them," head coach Kyle Shanahan said after the game. "He missed another one today, and fortunately, it didn't get us, but I think everyone knows the answer to that: you've got to make your extra points."

Piñeiro's six missed kicks lead the NFL and exceed his total from all of last season. The kicker is in his second season with the 49ers after signing a four-year, $17 million contract extension in March.

49ers still evaluating punt returner Jacob Cowing

The 49ers also have concerns about their punt return game, with Jacob Cowing currently handling those duties.

Cowing muffed a punt near San Francisco's goal line, forcing the offense to take over at its own 4-yard line. The 49ers failed to gain a first down and were forced to punt.

Monday night's mistake marked Cowing's second muffed punt in as many weeks, raising questions about whether San Francisco will continue to trust him in the role.

Naturally, Shanahan was asked about his level of concern.

"It's something we always got to take a look at," Shanahan said. "I thought Jake made a real bad decision on the one. I think he caught one on the four, I think it was, from what I saw. I thought it was a bad decision. He had to let it go.

"I don't think he made a mistake in any of the others, but yeah, that was a bad decision by him."