Ravens Sign Jake Moody After Tyler Loop’s Miss… and Minter Just Sent a WARNING

The Ravens signed kicker Jake Moody to the practice squad on Monday, bringing in competition for rookie Tyler Loop after his missed 49-yard field goal in Cleveland. Jesse Minter called the kicking position “completely results driven,” but the move says more than that. It fits a pattern of lineup changes already visible on defense.

Here’s who Moody is, what Minter said, and how this signing connects to the rest of the roster.

Who Is Jake Moody?

Moody is 26 and a former third-round pick of the 49ers in 2023. He is 64-of-82 on career field goals (78%) and 8-of-14 from 50 yards or longer. He later kicked for the Bears and the Commanders, going 19-of-23 on field goals last season between the two teams, before losing the Commanders’ job to a rookie this year.

He’s also a familiar face. Moody overlapped with Minter at Michigan, and he was with the Bears last year when Declan Doyle was there. This is the second time the Ravens have added him this season. The first came in late August after Loop missed three of eight preseason field goals, and Baltimore released Moody in September after Loop started well.

Importantly, the signing doesn’t change the starter. Moody joins the practice squad as an option.

What Jesse Minter Said About Tyler Loop

Asked on Monday about adding another kicker, Minter said you’re always looking at ways to impact the roster, and that’s no different here. He said there’s a confidence level in how Loop prepares and strikes the ball, but the position is “completely results driven.” On Wednesday, Minter again expressed confidence in Loop.

That’s a balanced message. It isn’t a vote of no confidence. It’s a reminder that results matter.

Tyler Loop’s Season in Context

Loop has plenty of good moments. He’s 10-of-13 on field goals this season, including kicks of 57 and 45 yards in the opener and a 56-yard game-winner in overtime against the Cowboys in Week 3. As a rookie last year, he made 30 of 34 attempts, or 88%.

But he also missed a second-half attempt against the Titans and the 49-yarder at Cleveland. That second miss came early in the fourth quarter, with Baltimore leading 10-3. A make would have made it a two-score game.

This section is our take. Loop isn’t the reason the Ravens lost. The offense scored 10 points in the first quarter and none after that. For the full breakdown, read our Ravens loss to the Browns analysis. But close games turn on small margins, and a miss in that spot hurts.

The Slot Corner Shuffle

Here’s the pattern. Keyon Martin started the season as the slot corner in dime packages. Rookie Chandler Rivers took over in Week 2 and played a lot. Martin then played no defensive snaps for three weeks.

Rivers’ coverage struggled. Sports Illustrated noted he had allowed nine catches on 11 targets for 120 yards and a touchdown over the previous three games. At Cleveland, Minter went back to Martin. Martin played 24 snaps and had a sack, a tackle for loss, a quarterback hit, and a pass breakup, for a 71.2 grade from Pro Football Focus. Rivers didn’t play on defense for the first time since his debut.

Martin also was flagged for a questionable pass interference call that extended Cleveland’s tying drive. But most analysts agreed he played well.

That looks like a coach reacting to results. The same logic may apply at kicker.

Safety Jaylinn Hawkins Is Still Starting

Some fans expect a similar move at safety. Jaylinn Hawkins, a former Patriots starter, has played 81.8% of the defensive snaps and was on the field for 55 of 63 plays in Cleveland. Pro Football Focus ranked him 47th of 50 safeties through Week 6, and BaltimoreRavens.com said his playing time may change against the Bengals.

Hawkins also appeared on Wednesday’s injury report with a knee injury and was limited in practice.

Where Minter Can’t Change Much: Tight End and the Offensive Line

Some spots don’t have a bench to turn to. Tight end Matt Hibner (hand) missed the Browns game, and Durham Smythe is on injured reserve. Rookie Josh Cuevas scored his first career touchdown and was one of the Ravens’ highest-graded offensive players in Cleveland.

The offensive line has been the thinnest area. But there’s good news. Center Cam Jurgens cleared the concussion protocol and practiced fully on Wednesday for the first time since the trade. That means rookie Vega Ioane could shift back to guard, where he was drafted to play. For more on the trade, read our Cam Jurgens physical article.

What About the Trade Deadline?

Some fans want another trade for a veteran lineman or defensive help. General manager Eric DeCosta has been aggressive, trading for Jurgens and signing Trey Hendrickson. But BaltimoreRavens.com’s Ryan Mink noted the Ravens have just $2.16 million in cap space, the third-lowest in the league, according to OverTheCap. He doesn’t expect fireworks, though a modest deal is possible.

Wednesday’s Practice: The Latest Injury News

Lamar Jackson returned to practice as a limited participant on Wednesday, his first time on the field since October 4. Minter said it’s still a day-by-day thing. “He just attacks,” Minter said of Jackson’s rehab.

Other news from Wednesday:

• Trey Hendrickson (finger): Full participant, going against his former team on Sunday.
• Tavius Robinson (pectoral): Did not practice. He leads the team with 3.5 sacks.
• Broderick Washington (ankle) and Rashod Bateman (shoulder): Limited.
• T.J. Tampa: Returned to practice from injured reserve.

For the full list, read our Ravens injury report.

Our Take: Is the “Results-Driven” Approach Working?

This section is our take. We like the principle. Moving Martin back into the slot made sense, and bringing in competition at kicker is standard in the NFL. A good player sees a challenger as a reason to sharpen up.

But the evidence is mixed. The defense had five sacks against the Browns, but it also gave up 130 yards and eight first downs in the fourth quarter and was outscored 10-0. Sports Illustrated wrote that the problems persisted even after Rivers was benched. A culture of accountability only works if the results follow.

Our prediction: Loop keeps the job and responds well, and Moody stays on the practice squad. If Loop misses again in a key spot, we expect the Ravens to act quickly.

What’s Next

The Bengals visit on Sunday, October 25. Then the Baltimore Ravens schedule includes the Bills on November 1 and the Jaguars on Thursday, November 5. Every point will matter in that stretch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Ravens sign Jake Moody?

The Ravens added Moody to the practice squad to compete with Tyler Loop after Loop missed a 49-yard field goal in the 13-10 loss at Cleveland.

Is Jake Moody replacing Tyler Loop?

Not yet. Moody joined the practice squad, and Loop remains the starter. Jesse Minter said he has confidence in Loop but called the position results driven.

What is Tyler Loop’s field goal percentage this season?

Loop is 10-of-13 on field goals this season. He made 30 of 34 as a rookie in 2025.

Who do the Ravens play next?

The Ravens host the Bengals on Sunday, October 25, at 1 p.m. ET.

Is Lamar Jackson playing against the Bengals?

It isn’t confirmed. Jackson returned to practice as a limited participant on Wednesday, and Minter says it’s day-by-day.

Final Thoughts

The Moody signing is a small move with a loud message. It tells every player that results decide playing time, and Martin’s return to the slot shows Minter will act on it.

What do you think? Is bringing in competition the right call, or are the Ravens being too hard on Loop? Drop your take in the comments, and check back for the latest Ravens news before the Bengals game.