49ers Punter Corliss Waitman Named Player of the Week
The specialist earned the NFC honor after pinning five punts inside the 20-yard line against the Seahawks.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Football
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San Francisco 49ers punter Corliss Waitman has been named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week following his performance in the team's victory over the Seattle Seahawks. This marks the second time in his career that Waitman has received the weekly league honor.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the impact of special teams play in securing close wins for the 49ers this season. Waitman's ability to consistently pin opponents deep in their own territory has become a critical component of the team's field position strategy.
Waitman pinned all 5 of his punts against Seattle inside the 20-yard line, compared to 9 such punts over his 16 attempts this season. His single-game performance included a 43.2-yard average across 216 total yards.
The players
Corliss Waitman
The 49ers punter who earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors for his recent performance against Seattle.
Gracen Halton
A 49ers player who forced and recovered a fumble in the end zone following a 38-yard punt by Waitman.
The details
During the win against the Seahawks, Waitman executed five punts with zero return yards allowed, including a 38-yard effort that was downed at the four-yard line. That specific play led to a fumble recovery for a touchdown by teammate Gracen Halton. Waitman, who signed a one-year deal with the 49ers on March 18, 2026, previously earned the AFC honor while playing for the Denver Broncos in 2022.
Timeline
March 18, 2026: Waitman signed a one-year contract with the 49ers.
2026 Week 5: Waitman performed in the 49ers win against the Seahawks.
October 14, 2026: Waitman was officially named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
Across the Bay
This accolade marks the second time Corliss Waitman has received a weekly league honor, following his initial selection during the 2022 NFL Week 3 AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award. The recent performance establishes a new standard for his work with the 49ers this season.
Fans tracking the 49ers' special teams performance can monitor Waitman's season average, which currently sits at 47.2 yards per punt. Future game results will continue to determine if he remains a top-tier specialist as the team moves through the remainder of the 2026 schedule.
The takeaway
Reliable punting remains a vital asset for maintaining field position during tight defensive matchups. Fans should continue to track Waitman’s punts inside the 20-yard line as a key metric for gauging the 49ers' overall efficiency in upcoming games.
Further reading
For more on the latest team developments and game analysis, visit the Football section.
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