Social media flames 49ers punter after awful gaffe on blocked punt vs. Vikings

It's not Mitch Wishnowsky's fault the Vikings blocked his punt, but a hefty return thereafter does fall on his shoulders.

The San Francisco 49ers haven't always been known for boasting excellent special teams, and it appears there could be more problems with this third phase of the game over the course of 2024.

The Niners were scoreless in their Week 2 road bout against the Minnesota Vikings with a game that looked like it'd be decided in the trenches.

On San Francisco's second possession, quarterback Brock Purdy and the offense came up short of getting deep into Minnesota territory and were forced to punt on what was punter Mitch Wishnowsky's second boot of the game.

Unfortunately for the 49ers, the punt was blocked by Vikings fullback C.J. Ham:

That was bad enough. But it's what happened next that left 49ers fans and pundits smoking from the ears.

Vikings safety Theo Jackson hopped on the loose ball. And while Wishnowsky initially looked as if he'd be aggressive going for Jackson, he backed away.

And the Minnesota special teamer returned the loose ball 37 yards before being taken down.

So, why didn't Wishnowsky simply touch Jackson right there to down him? Had he done so, perhaps the Vikings wouldn't have scored three points off the turnover.

Fans react to Mitch Wishnowsky's blocked-punt gaffe

Granted, it's a small positive Minnesota only scored a field goal off the blocked punt. However, it didn't take long for social media to chime in with the inevitable "why?"

In Wishnowsky's defense (if there can be one because he's a veteran at this point), it was a bang-bang moment and play. In a split second, he had to make a choice and failed to do so.

That was the gaffe.

At least it only cost the Niners three points and not more.

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