David Akers Had Double Sports Hernia Surgery Last February

Dec 9, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers (2) kicks an extra point during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

49ers kicker David Akers revealed on Thursday that he had double sports hernia surgery last February, and has been dealing with complications of it throughout this season.

Following the NFC Divisional game against the Saints last postseason, Akers flew to Philadelphia to get a few injections, reports CSN. He subsequently had the surgery after the 49ers’ playoff exit with the same surgeon.

Sports hernia is caused by a tear in the inguinal wall (the abdomen or groin region), leading to chronic groin pain. Typically, an athlete can return to the playing field 4-6 weeks after the surgery.

However, Akers is not blaming the injury for his struggles this season.

“If I knew the answer, I would have fixed it a long time ago,” he told the Bay Area News Group.

After an unbelievable 2011-2012 season when he set an NFL record with 44 made field goals, Akers has not been the same kicker this season, making just 69 percent of his kicks.

“I feel when I miss kicks I let the team, organization, and the fans down,” he lamented. “I take it personal.”

Several media outlets claim that newly signed kicker Billy Cundiff was “spot on” during practice today, while Akers looked more hesitant.

My take? Knowing Jim Harbaugh and his controversial decisions, don’t be surprised if Cundiff is the 49ers’ placekicker in their NFC Divisional Round game a week from Saturday.