Backup Plans for the Ravens: How would Baltimore change if Justin Tucker is unable to return?

In the ever-changing landscape of the NFL, few players are as synonymous with their teams as Justin Tucker is with the Baltimore Ravens. As one of the most reliable and prolific kickers in NFL history, Tucker has been a cornerstone of Baltimore’s special teams and a key factor in many of the team’s victories. His iconic kicks, like the NFL-record 66-yard field goal to beat the Detroit Lions in 2021, have etched his name in the history books and solidified his status as one of the greatest kickers the league has ever seen.

But as with any player, especially one as highly regarded as Tucker, the question must be asked: what happens if Justin Tucker is unable to return? Whether due to injury, age, or any other unforeseen circumstances, the Ravens must have contingency plans in place to ensure they aren’t caught unprepared.

In this article, we’ll examine the possible scenarios that could unfold if Tucker were unable to return and how the Baltimore Ravens would pivot without one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history. From the impact on game outcomes to adjustments in the kicker position and the wider changes to the Ravens’ offensive and special teams units, here’s how the franchise would need to adapt in the event of Tucker’s absence.

1. The Impact on the Ravens’ Offense

For any NFL team, the loss of a premier kicker can have wide-reaching effects, especially for a team like the Ravens whose style of play often revolves around ball control, field position, and the ability to capitalize on short-yardage situations. Tucker’s ability to consistently convert field goals from almost any distance—particularly in crucial moments—has allowed the Ravens to remain competitive in tight games, often swinging the momentum in their favor.

If Tucker were to be unavailable, the Ravens’ offense would likely have to adjust their approach to scoring, particularly in long-distance situations. Head Coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Todd Monken would likely need to lean more heavily on their offense to get into the red zone, knowing they no longer have the luxury of Tucker’s leg to reliably convert long-distance attempts. Situations where the Ravens could normally opt for a 50+ yard field goal might force them to go for it on 4th down more often or adjust their play calling to ensure they stay within closer, more manageable range for any replacement kicker.

This adjustment could put additional pressure on the Ravens offense, particularly the quarterback and wide receiver units, to execute more efficiently in critical situations. Lamar Jackson, in particular, would need to work with the offense to gain more yardage when it matters most to make sure that scoring opportunities remain within reach, something the Ravens have often relied on Tucker to convert.

2. Special Teams Coordination and Adjustments

Special teams would be the most immediately affected by the absence of Tucker. His long-range capabilities, accuracy, and leadership have made him the centerpiece of Baltimore’s kicking unit for over a decade. The Ravens’ special teams unit has historically been one of the league’s most well-coached and effective, thanks in large part to Tucker’s consistency.

In the event of an injury or Tucker’s departure, the Ravens would need to make several adjustments to the special teams unit:

A. Backup Kicker

At the forefront of the Ravens’ backup plan would be a solid replacement kicker. While Justin Tucker’s abilities are legendary, the Ravens would need to find a reliable backup who can step into the role without missing a beat. Over the years, backup kickers have been brought in to compete with Tucker for the starting job, but few have even come close to his level of accuracy and distance.

Currently, the Ravens’ backup kicker is likely someone who has experience or potential, with options ranging from undrafted free agents to players with prior NFL experience. Historically, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has done an excellent job developing special teams players, so the organization might look to bring in a veteran or someone with a strong leg who could at least handle shorter-range field goals and extra points until Tucker’s status is clarified.

In the event of Tucker’s absence, the Ravens would likely look for someone who can handle the pressure of kicking in high-stakes games. Kicking in Baltimore is often high-pressure, given the importance of field goals in close, hard-fought games, and the kicker would need to manage the weight of those moments effectively.

B. Punting and Kickoff Specialist Considerations

Another consideration would be the impact on other special teams units. While Tucker is known primarily for his field-goal prowess, he also handles kickoffs for the Ravens. If Tucker were unable to return, the team might have to make adjustments in terms of both kickoff specialist and punting duties. The Ravens have typically employed Sam Koch as their punter, and if Tucker were unavailable, the Ravens could consider using Koch or another player to handle kickoffs.

This shift could impact field position significantly, as kickoffs are often a source of positive yardage or momentum. The Ravens would likely need to ensure that whoever fills in for Tucker on kickoffs has the ability to put the ball deep into the opponent’s territory and maintain the high standards set by Tucker’s tenure.

3. The Importance of the Kicking Game in Close Games

The Ravens are known for their defense-first mentality, often winning games by a slim margin. With this in mind, the kicking game has been pivotal in tight contests, and Justin Tucker’s proficiency at hitting clutch kicks in the final seconds has been invaluable. From game-winners to crucial field goals in critical moments, Tucker’s ability to deliver has been a hallmark of the Ravens’ identity.

Without Tucker, the team could struggle to replicate that level of reliability in close games. Field goals under pressure, such as those made late in a game with the clock winding down, would be far less reliable with an unproven or less experienced kicker. This could mean that the Ravens need to be more conservative in terms of play-calling toward the end of games and ensure that they don’t put the backup kicker in a situation that could decide the game.

The pressure would not only be on the backup kicker but on Lamar Jackson and the offense to keep drives alive longer and take more time off the clock, ensuring that the game doesn’t come down to a last-second field goal attempt.

4. The Impact on Player Morale and Leadership

Tucker is more than just a kicker for the Ravens; he’s a leader in the locker room, admired by his teammates for his professionalism, clutch performances, and ability to stay calm under pressure. His absence could have a ripple effect on the team’s morale, especially for those who look to him for steady leadership in difficult moments.

In the event that Tucker is unable to play, the Ravens would need other players, especially the veteran leaders, to step up and keep the locker room cohesive. Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews, and Calais Campbell would need to provide additional leadership on the field to help manage any transition period that may arise from the kicker change. Additionally, other players on the special teams unit—such as Sam Koch and Gus Edwards—might need to take on more prominent leadership roles to fill the void left by Tucker.

5. Long-Term Outlook: Drafting a Kicker or Making a Trade

While the Ravens may be able to fill the kicker position with a reliable backup, they may also look ahead to the future. The NFL draft could present an opportunity to select a kicker of the future, especially considering the high value that teams now place on reliable kickers. The Ravens could also explore trade options to acquire a proven kicker, though this may be a more challenging route given the scarcity of elite kickers in the league.

The Ravens’ history of drafting well and filling needs through free agency and trades means they could still find a viable kicker to plug into the lineup if necessary. However, with Justin Tucker being such an entrenched part of the franchise, this would likely be a short-term, stopgap solution until the team could either develop another kicker or Tucker could return to form.