By JANIE McCAULEY, AP Sports Writer

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Billy Cundiff, sporting a crisp new white No. 6 jersey, had an impressive first day of practice with the 49ers while kicking alongside struggling veteran David Akers as coach Jim Harbaugh closely watched.

Cundiff signed a one-year contract Tuesday with the NFC West champion Niners (11-4-1) to compete with Akers as Harbaugh and his staff determine who will handle the kicking duties for San Francisco in the NFC divisional playoffs Jan. 12 at Candlestick Park.

Akers revealed Thursday not only did he receive death threats last month via Twitter, he also underwent surgery for a double hernia last February and then had a flare-up in November. After a win at New Orleans on Nov. 25, Akers returned to Philadelphia for injections from the doctor who performed his procedure.

"People talk about my demeanor being down, listen, I take my job seriously," Akers said. "I feel when I miss kicks I let the team, the organization, the fans down. I take it personal. I guess sometimes I care too much about it. That's just kind of who I am. I have no problem talking to y'all and being real. It's been disappointing. I'm disappointed in myself. There's nothing I can really do about it now. I can't go back in the past. Try today to get better and figure out why they're not going between the poles. If I had an answer I would have fixed it a long time ago."