The Baltimore Ravens will have a new kicker when they return to M&T Bank Stadium for Thursday Night Football against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Baltimore announced Tuesday
that second-year kicker Tyler Loop has been placed on injured reserve because of a right groin injury, ruling him out for at least four games. The move comes two days after Loop missed a field goal during Baltimore's 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills.Ravens coach Jesse Minter indicated Monday that Loop was dealing with an injury that could require an extended absence. The organization has now made that decision official, creating another challenge for a team already dealing with significant injuries at quarterback and other positions.
Jake Moody, currently on Baltimore's practice
squad, will handle the kicking duties against Jacksonville.
Ravens turn to Jake Moody after Tyler Loop injury
Loop's injury comes amid an inconsistent start to his second NFL season. The former Arizona standout has converted 13 of 17 field-goal attempts through eight games, including one of two attempts against Buffalo.
The 24-year-old missed a 34-yard attempt in the second quarter Sunday with Baltimore trailing 13-7. The kick struck the left upright after the Ravens reached the Buffalo 7-yard line but failed to capitalize on three consecutive passing plays with rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano.
Loop later converted a 26-yard field goal, accounting for three of Baltimore's 10 points.
He also sent the opening kickoff out of bounds, giving Buffalo possession at its 40-yard line before the Bills scored a touchdown on their first possession.
Loop has already matched his total of four missed field goals from his rookie season, when he connected on 30 of 34 attempts.
Minter acknowledged Monday that Loop had been managing a physical issue that had worsened, prompting the Ravens to prepare Moody for Thursday's matchup.
Moody, a former third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2023 NFL draft, provides Baltimore with another experienced option at a position that has experienced significant change since Justin Tucker's departure.
The Ravens will need to elevate Moody from the practice squad or add him to their active roster before Thursday's game.
Ravens dealing with mounting injuries ahead of Jaguars matchup
Loop's placement on injured reserve adds to Baltimore's growing injury concerns during a short week.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson is also headed to injured reserve after suffering a right thumb injury against Buffalo that will require surgery. Backup Tyler Huntley is dealing with turf toe and has been identified by Minter as another potential injured reserve candidate.
Those injuries have forced Baltimore to name undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano its starting quarterback against Jacksonville, while the organization has added Kedon Slovis and Austin Reed for additional depth.
The Ravens have lost three consecutive games and enter Thursday's matchup at 4-4, making special teams execution increasingly important as the offense attempts to regain its footing.
Moody will be tasked with providing stability in the kicking game while Baltimore attempts to snap its losing streak and remain competitive in the AFC North.
The Ravens and Jaguars will kick off Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET, with the game streaming nationally on Prime Video.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens place kicker Tyler Loop on injured reserve with groin injury
