The San Francisco 49ers experienced a major setback in their game against the Arizona Cardinals when kicker Jake Moody suffered a high right ankle sprain while attempting to tackle on a kick return. This injury occurred following the team’s biggest special teams play of the season—a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown.
Unfortunately, Moody’s injury forced the 49ers to finish the final 35 minutes of the game without their kicker, which proved costly in a match they ultimately lost 24-23 after blowing a 13-point lead. It marked their second loss of the season after leading by double digits in the fourth quarter.
Prior to this season, the 49ers under head coach Kyle Shanahan had a strong record of 51-2 when leading by double digits in the fourth quarter. However, this recent loss dropped them to 2-3 overall, 0-2 in their division, and 0-3 against NFC opponents. With little time to recover, the team must now travel to face the division-leading Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night. The loss of Moody will be felt deeply, as tight end George Kittle acknowledged the significant impact of losing such a reliable kicker.
Moody sustained his injury while attempting to stop Cardinals returner DeeJay Dallas during a kick return. His leg twisted awkwardly as he tried to make the tackle, a moment that brought back memories of a similar injury he sustained in eighth grade.
The initial diagnosis of a high ankle sprain spared Moody from a more serious fracture, but further testing is needed to determine how long he will be sidelined. Without Moody, punter Mitch Wishnowsky took over kicking duties, and while he made one field goal, the absence of a regular kicker put extra pressure on an already struggling offense.
San Francisco’s red zone efficiency was a major issue, with the team scoring only one touchdown in six trips inside Arizona’s 10-yard line. After Moody’s injury, the team opted to go for it on fourth-and-23 rather than attempt a long field goal, a decision influenced by the lack of their usual kicker. The 49ers’ final drive also saw them adjust their strategy, aiming for a shorter field goal range with Wishnowsky in the kicker’s role instead of attempting a longer game-winner that Moody could have handled.
Despite the kicker’s absence affecting some decisions, it wasn’t the sole reason for the loss. The 49ers continued to struggle in the red zone, and their offense committed three turnovers while the defense allowed poor tackling late in the game. Their red zone struggles have been a season-long issue, with the team ranking near the bottom of the league in touchdown efficiency inside the 20. Running back Christian McCaffrey’s absence due to an Achilles injury has also been a factor in their difficulties scoring touchdowns.
With a short week ahead before facing the Seahawks, the 49ers know they need to address their issues quickly. Shanahan acknowledged the urgency, stating that while the team would love to dwell on their frustrations, they have no time to waste. San Francisco plans to bring in replacement kickers and will focus on fixing their red zone inefficiency, hoping to turn their season around before it’s too late.
