Jake Moody to Kick for Ravens After Tyler Loop Injury

Jake Moody will be the Baltimore Ravens' kicker on Thursday night when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars, Head Coach Jesse Minter announced on Monday. The move follows an injury to second-year kicker Tyler Loop, who did not take part in Monday's walkthrough. Loop has since been placed on injured reserve, according to CBS Sports and the Baltimore Sun.

Loop's groin injury and missed kicks

Minter said Loop had been "dealing with something" and could go on injured reserve. Loop, who is listed with a right groin injury, missed a 34-yard field goal on Sunday when Baltimore trailed Buffalo 13-7, hitting the left upright. He later made a 26-yarder. His opening kickoff also went out of bounds, which gave the Bills the ball at their own 40-yard line on a drive that ended in a touchdown.

Loop has missed four field goal attempts this season, making 13 of 17. He missed only four attempts during his rookie season, when he made 30 of 34.

Moody returns to a familiar role

Moody, 26, was signed to Baltimore's practice squad for the second time on Oct. 20 and was elevated for the Jaguars game. A former third-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, he has made 64 of 82 field goals and 107 of 110 extra points in his NFL career.

Minter praised Loop's professionalism and work ethic, and said he hoped Loop could return later in the season. Minter said Moody has "had some really good kicks in the NFL." Moody himself said he was excited for the chance to work with the coaching staff.

Offensive line and quarterback concerns

The kicking change comes as Baltimore's offence faces wider problems. The Ravens' quarterbacks were hit 12 times against Buffalo, and Minter said the offensive line, especially pass protection and the run game, must improve. He said injuries along the line were not an excuse.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered a thumb injury on Baltimore's first play from scrimmage that will require surgery and send him to injured reserve. Rosengarten said he felt responsible for the injury, but Minter disagreed, saying the injury was a matter of football's unpredictability. Backup Tyler Huntley left with a toe injury, and third-string quarterback Joe Fagnano was hit low and hobbled before finishing the game. Fagnano, who is dealing with an ankle injury, appears to have the best chance to start against Jacksonville, while Huntley is also listed as banged up.

Rookie right guard Vega Ioane, who is recovering from a knee injury, was a limited participant in Monday's walkthrough and hopes to play Thursday.

What next

The Ravens (4-4) must find a winning formula without Jackson to stay in playoff contention. Baltimore beat the Atlanta Falcons 30-23 in overtime in the first full game Jackson missed this season, but has not scored a second-half touchdown since. Minter said the team must lean on defence, special teams and a different style of offence. For now, Moody's first game as the primary kicker is set for Thursday night against Jacksonville.

Minter said the team wants to find ways to win "regardless of who we have" at quarterback.