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

Backup Plans for the Ravens: How Would Baltimore Change if Justin Tucker Is Unable to Return?

Justin Tucker is widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, placekickers in NFL history. For the Baltimore Ravens, Tucker has been an essential part of their special teams unit, making game-winning kicks and setting records along the way. His reliability, leg strength, and consistency have made him a cornerstone of the Ravens’ success, especially in close games. But what happens if Tucker were to be unavailable? How would Baltimore adjust, and what strategies would they employ to maintain their edge in games, especially when close scores are expected?

In this article, we’ll delve into the potential impacts of losing Tucker on the Ravens’ overall strategy, their kicking game, and special teams, and explore possible backup plans that could mitigate the loss.

The Importance of Justin Tucker to the Ravens

Before exploring the potential backup plans, it’s important to understand why Justin Tucker has been such a critical asset to the Ravens. Since being drafted by the team in 2012, Tucker has developed a reputation for his clutch performances and incredible range. He has made multiple game-winning kicks, including a 66-yard field goal in 2021, which set the NFL record for the longest successful field goal in history.

Tucker’s consistency is equally remarkable. As of 2025, Tucker boasts a career field goal percentage of over 90%, making him one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history. Beyond just field goals, Tucker’s ability to handle extra points and his reliability in high-pressure situations make him one of the few players in the league whose absence would leave a significant void.

In addition to his individual accolades, Tucker’s performance has influenced the Ravens’ overall strategy. Head coach John Harbaugh, a former special teams coach himself, has built a game plan around the comfort of knowing that Tucker can reliably convert field goals from long distances. This is particularly valuable in close, low-scoring games, where the Ravens often find themselves due to their defensive-oriented approach.

The Immediate Impact of Losing Justin Tucker

The loss of Justin Tucker, whether due to injury or other circumstances, would have an immediate and profound impact on the Ravens. Let’s break down how this could affect different aspects of their team:

1. Special Teams Unit:

Tucker is an integral part of the Ravens’ special teams, not just as a kicker, but as a leader. His absence would leave a void in terms of leadership and reliability in the kicking game. Special teams have a ripple effect on field position, momentum, and scoring potential, and Tucker’s loss would make the Ravens less effective in all three areas.

• Field Goals: Without Tucker, the Ravens would need a replacement who could at least handle the pressure and convert field goals at a high rate. Although most NFL teams use backups for kickoffs, field goals are a different matter. The quality of the replacement kicker would directly influence the offense’s strategy. If the new kicker struggles from long distances or is prone to missing kicks in critical situations, the Ravens might have to adjust their offensive play calling, becoming more conservative when they enter field goal range.
• Kickoffs: Tucker’s leg strength is one of his most valuable assets. He routinely sends kickoffs into the end zone, giving the Ravens’ defense a favorable starting position. A backup kicker may not have the same ability, meaning opponents could return kicks more often or start with better field position, putting extra strain on Baltimore’s defense.

2. Offensive Play Calling and Strategy:

Baltimore is known for its physical, run-heavy offense, with a focus on Lamar Jackson’s versatility and ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground. While the offense is designed to be aggressive, the presence of Tucker has allowed the Ravens to be a bit more aggressive on offense as well, knowing they can often rely on Tucker to secure points when drives stall.

• More Aggressive Play Calling on 4th Down: Without Tucker, the Ravens may have to be more conservative in their approach. Fourth-down situations in field goal range would likely become more high-stakes, and the coaching staff may be less inclined to take a risk by attempting a long field goal. This could result in more decisions to go for it on fourth down or punt in situations where they would normally trust Tucker to convert.
• Red Zone Strategy: If the Ravens lose Tucker, their red zone strategy may change as well. Knowing they don’t have an automatic 3 points from Tucker, the Ravens may feel compelled to focus more on ensuring they score touchdowns, rather than relying on a field goal when the opportunity presents itself. This could increase the pressure on Jackson and the offensive line to convert in critical scoring situations.

3. Close Games and Game Management:

Tucker has provided the Ravens with a huge advantage in close games. The Ravens have been involved in many tight contests, and Tucker’s ability to reliably make kicks under pressure has often been the difference between a win and a loss. His loss would likely force the Ravens to adjust how they approach close games.

• Late-Game Situations: Without Tucker, the Ravens may have to reassess their approach to late-game situations. In previous years, Tucker has been the go-to player for a game-winning field goal in the final moments. The loss of that reliable option would lead to greater uncertainty in the final stages of tight games, requiring adjustments in clock management and offensive strategy to ensure they don’t rely too heavily on a backup kicker.
• Reliability in High-Pressure Moments: Tucker is widely recognized for his mental toughness. He’s proven time and time again that he can handle high-pressure moments. A backup kicker, even if capable, may not possess the same level of poise under pressure. The team’s confidence in its ability to rely on a kicker in clutch moments would be shaken without Tucker, forcing players and coaches to recalibrate their expectations in close games.

Potential Backup Kickers

Should Justin Tucker be unavailable, the Ravens would have to turn to a backup kicker. They could either elevate a player from within their roster or sign an outside kicker. Let’s consider some potential options:

1. Current Roster Options:

The Ravens would likely first look to their current roster to find a viable replacement for Tucker. The most straightforward option is to promote a backup kicker from the practice squad or roster, assuming they have one.

• Backup Kicker on the Roster: If the Ravens have a backup kicker, such as a player who has experience in the NFL or has been with the team for training camp, they could look to that individual to step up in Tucker’s absence. This would minimize the need to adjust the rest of the special teams unit and maintain some consistency.

2. Free Agent Kicker:

If no backup kicker is ready to step in immediately, the Ravens would likely turn to free agency. Given the volatility of the kicking position, several veteran kickers would likely be available. A few options include:

• Veteran Kickers: There are always a number of veteran kickers available who could step into a starting role with little notice. Players like Matt Prater, Robbie Gould, or even former Ravens kicker, Billy Cundiff, could be viable options, though each would need to adjust quickly to Baltimore’s system and potentially colder, harsher weather in the winter months.
• Young Kickers or Rookies: The Ravens could also look to a young kicker, potentially someone drafted or signed as an undrafted free agent, to compete for the starting role. The challenge here would be the kicker’s ability to adjust to the NFL’s pressures quickly, and the uncertainty of their accuracy at the professional level.

Special Teams Adjustments

A change in kicker also affects other aspects of special teams. The punter and long snapper have developed an established chemistry with Tucker over the years, and bringing in a new kicker would require adjustments in timing and technique. The Ravens’ special teams coordinator would need to work on developing chemistry with the new kicker, ensuring they get their timing down for field goal attempts and kickoffs. This could take some time, meaning there may be a temporary dip in performance until the new kicker fully adjusts.

Long-Term Impact on the Ravens

In the short term, losing Tucker would be disruptive, but the Ravens would likely be able to adjust. In the long term, however, the impact could be more significant. Over the years, Tucker has been a reliable and consistent contributor to Baltimore’s success. His loss would leave a hole in the team’s roster and require not just a new kicker but also a change in team mentality.

• Recruiting and Drafting a Long-Term Successor: If Tucker’s absence were prolonged, the Ravens might need to start thinking about long-term replacements. Even if Tucker returns to full health, his age (as of 2025, Tucker is in his mid-30s) means the team could be looking for a new kicker in the next few years. The Ravens would likely want to bring in a young kicker through the draft or free agency to develop and learn under Tucker’s mentorship, ensuring a smooth transition when the time comes.

Losing Justin Tucker would undoubtedly be a major blow to the Ravens, who have relied on him for over a decade. His consistency, leg strength, and ability to perform under pressure have made him a key part of Baltimore’s success, particularly in close games. However, the Ravens have a strong history of developing players and adjusting to challenges. They would likely implement a multi-faceted backup plan that would involve promoting a current roster player, bringing in a veteran kicker from free agency, and adjusting their overall offensive and special teams strategy to account for the loss.

Though Tucker’s absence would create some immediate uncertainty, the Ravens have the resources and coaching to adapt and continue competing at a high level, even without their all-time great kicker.