Fooch’s update: Or maybe not Gould?

Pro Bowl kicker Greg Zuerlein going on IR does not immediately impact #49ers K Robbie Gould. I’m hearing Gould was not a first alternate for the Pro Bowl. https://t.co/coJpdN0xSq — Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) December 20, 2017

The Los Angeles Rams made an unexpected move on Wednesday, placing kicker Greg Zuerlein on injured reserve due to a back injury. Zuerlein leads the NFL in field goals and extra points, and was voted to be the NFC kicker in the Pro Bowl. Adam Schefter is reporting the team is signing Penn State kicker Sam Ficken.

His injury likely means San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould is headed to the Pro Bowl. Gould was named an alternate in the midst of his career year with the 49ers. This makes for a big Wednesday, as Gould was also named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 15. It’s the second such award for him in a season in which he has set a career high for field goals made.

The NFL announced Pro Bowl rosters on Tuesday, and injuries always result in some changes. This is likely the first of many. The Rams are probably a little more concerned about kicking duties than Zuerlein playing in the Pro Bowl.