Detroit Lions
David Akers - K
| Status | Active |
| Height/Weight | 5' 10"/ 200 lbs. |
| Birthday | 12/09/1974 |
| Birthplace | Lexington, KY |
| College | Louisville |
| Years played | 15 |
Vikings-Lions: Matchup of the day
Each day during the week we'll examine a key matchup leading up to Sunday's Vikings-Lions game.
Vikings-Lions matchup of the day: Tuesday
Here's a look at a key matchup heading into Sunday's Week Three battle between the Lions and Vikings.
Lions' secondary the clear Achilles' heel
The Lions have allowed 609 passing yards through two games, and it has become clear that the secondary has been the main culprit.
They said it: Vikings edition
Quotes following the Vikings' Week Two loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.
Lions have year's 'Best' rookie
Forget Ryan Mathews, the prohibitive favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year honors prior to the season. The best rookie of 2010 resides in Detroit.
Vick, Eagles hold on to top Lions
Michael Vick's second touchdown pass put the Philadelphia Eagles ahead just before halftime and they had to hold on to beat the Detroit Lions 35-32.
Lions go forward believing in QB Hill
Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan made it clear what he thinks will be different with the Lions' offense with QB Shaun Hill at the helm.
Lions announce sellout for Sunday's game
The Lions announced Friday morning that they have reached a sellout for Sunday's home opener against the Eagles.
Eagles' Kolb, Bradley fail post-concussion tests
Eagles QB Kevin Kolb and LB Stewart Bradley, both of whom suffered concussions in Sunday's loss to the Packers, have failed their concussion tests on Wednesday.
Report: Lions president Lewand has suspension reduced
Lions team president Tom Lewand will be reinstated Wednesday, nine days earlier than originally stipulated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Report: CB Vasher signs with Lions
The Lions have signed former Bears CB Nathan Vasher, according to the Detroit News.
Lions become popgun offense without Stafford
The Lions' offense was supposed to take a major step forward this season, thanks in large part to the progression of QB Matthew Stafford. But that all changes now that it appears they won't have their franchise passer for ...
Lions move forward with Hill at helm
Head coach Jim Schwartz said QB Shaun Hill can lead the Lions during Matthew Stafford's absence.
Report: Lions QB Stafford out 4-6 weeks
The Lions could be without QB Matthew Stafford for more than a month after he injured his throwing arm Week One against the Bears.
‘Correct’ call costs Lions a win
If the call at the end of the Lions-Bears game was correct, then the rule needs to be changed.
PLAYER NEWS
The Detroit Lions have added Akers one day after Jason Hanson retired.|||||||
San Francisco released Akers a month ago after he slumped during the 2012 season. The six-time Pro Bowl kicker made 73 of 94 field goals over two seasons for the 49ers. He underwent double hernia surgery in February 2012 then aggravated the area during the season when he slipped on the field during practice. Akers has made 367 of 453 field goals in his career with Washington, Philadelphia and San Francisco.
Six-time Pro Bowl kicker David Akers has been released by the San Francisco 49ers after two seasons filled with record-breaking highs and incredible lows. General Manager Trent Baalke thanked Akers in a statement Wednesday, calling him a "true professional who represented himself and this organization with class." Akers appeared in all 32 regular-season games and five playoff contests the past two seasons. He connected on 73 of 94 field goal attempts and all 78 PATs.|||||||
In 2011, Akers set NFL records with 44 field goals made and 52 attempted. He also tied the league mark for the longest made when he kicked from 63 yards in last season's opener at Green Bay. But Akers made just 29 of 44 attempts last season, his lowest percentage since 1999. The 49ers even brought in Billy Cundiff to compete against Akers before the divisional-round playoff and NFC championship game.
Akers calls his struggles this season a "head scratcher" and says if the 49ers win the Super Bowl it will erase all of his 14 misses this season.|||||||
Akers missed an NFL-worst 13 field goals this season and then hit the upright on a 38-yarder in last week's NFC championship game at Atlanta. He says he feels like he is kicking the ball well and he's off by a matter of inches, which is frustrating because "an inch is a mile in our game."
Akers is keeping his job as San Francisco's starting kicker. For now, anyway.|||||||
Jim Harbaugh made the announcement after practice Thursday, two days ahead of the 49ers' NFC divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers (12-5) at Candlestick Park. The 49ers signed Billy Cundiff on Jan. 1 to compete with Akers, a 15-year veteran who has struggled this season while making only 29 of 42 field-goal attempts. Akers revealed last week he underwent double hernia surgery last February.
Akers and Billy Cundiff were taking their competition to be San Francisco's playoff kicker to Candlestick Park on Monday.|||||||
Coach Jim Harbaugh says there's a "good chance" both kickers will be on the roster for Saturday's NFC divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, though he didn't specify whether each would be active. Harbaugh indicated "we have a leader in the clubhouse," but wouldn't say who it is.
