The Baltimore Ravens made a lot of people happy when they added kicker Jake Moody to the practice squad, but the subsequent thoughts and theories were expected. That move immediately generated questions about Tyler Loop's standing ahead of Week 1. Head coach Jesse Minter attempted to quiet those concerns on Monday as the Ravens were introducing their practice squad. He made it abundantly clear that Baltimore still expects its second-year rookie kicker to handle duties when the regular season begins.
Speaking with reporters after another Ravens practice, Minter explained that Moody's addition is more about protecting the roster than replacing Loop.
"I have a lot of confidence in Tyler still. I think, again, he has had a great training camp. I expect
him to be our kicker going into Indianapolis, but I think, again, you are always trying to just have every scenario covered. So, that is what we are trying to do as a team."
The comments leave little room for interpretation. Baltimore's decision to add Moody creates competition and insurance, but it does not appear to signal an imminent change atop the depth chart.
Instead, Minter framed the move as responsible roster management. The Ravens have playoff aspirations and understand the importance of having contingency plans at every position, including specialist spots. From a leadership standpoint, one has to commend the intensity with which Coach Minter defends Loop publicly.
For now, Loop remains the favorite to open the season as Baltimore's kicker. The addition of Moody may have raised eyebrows, but Minter's message was straightforward: the Ravens are preparing for every scenario without abandoning confidence in the rookie currently holding the job.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Jesse Minter makes Ravens’ stance on Tyler Loop crystal clear
