SANTA CLARA — Matt Gay is the only player in the NFL to kick the 49ers out of the Super Bowl and lose his job to Jake Moody.

Gay, signed to the 49ers’ practice squad Wednesday, will take over for Eddy Piñeiro when the 49ers (7-4) host the Carolina Panthers (6-5) Monday night (ESPN, 5:15 p.m.) as both teams look to stay in the playoff race in Week 12.

He has no illusions about keeping the job long-term.

“Kickers are a fraternity,” Gay said Thursday. “You keep in touch with guys, you follow their career. Seeing (Eddy) and talking to him, it’s been great to catch up. He’s had a great year here . . . God has plans. He’s blessed me with an opportunity to come here and kick for however many games that may be until Eddy’s back.”

Gay, 31, has experienced the highs and lows that come with the j

See Full Page