Remove <p></p> from the_excerpt() text

I want to use the_excerpt() to add text to my description meta tags on my posts. I noticed when I use the_excerpt() it places <p> and </p> around the text.

I’m not sure if this will hurt my description meta in SEO. Is there a way to remove the <p> and </p> from being placed within the_excerpt() text?

If there is a better way to add descriptive text to my description meta on my posts please let me know.