What seemed like a brewing competition between Jake Moody and veteran Greg Joseph for the San Francisco 49ers’ kicking job came to an unexpected halt. On Monday, the 49ers released Joseph, leaving Moody as the lone kicker on the roster.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan stated that the decision wasn’t based solely on performance, but rather on a growing list of injuries that have depleted the team’s training camp roster. The team simply didn’t have the luxury to maintain an extra kicker with so many other positions needing reinforcements.
Moody’s Job on the Line Amid Close Competition and Mounting Injury Concerns
Jake Moody, a third-round pick in 2023, entered training camp facing real pressure after an inconsistent rookie season, particularly after returning from an ankle injury. He ranked 35th in the NFL in field goal percentage among qualifying kickers, prompting the team to bring in Joseph in May to spark competition.
Throughout training camp, both kickers performed at a similar level, with Joseph hitting 22 of 24 kicks and Moody close behind at 21 of 24 in the media-observed sessions. Special teams coach Brant Boyer even described the battle as “really close,” just days before Joseph was released.
Jake Moody (NFL)Injuries have hit the 49ers hard early in camp. On Monday alone, 13 players were absent from practice, and several more are on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Notable names include Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, Jauan Jennings, and Nick Bosa, with a mix of rest days, minor issues, and more serious injuries.
Defensive tackle Kevin Givens is expected to be out the longest, likely missing a significant portion of the season. These absences forced Shanahan and the coaching staff to prioritize depth at more physically demanding positions over continuing the kicker competition.
Injuries Threaten Preseason Plans as Moody Faces Ongoing Pressure to Perform
With a joint practice and preseason game against the Denver Broncos looming, roster depth has become even more critical. Last year, the 49ers had to cancel joint practices due to injury concerns, but this year they hope to proceed as planned. Shanahan emphasized the importance of these practices and the need to “be smart” with player availability. Although the team is stretched thin, the coaching staff remains optimistic that most injuries are short-term and players will return soon.
Despite being the only kicker on the roster for now, Jake Moody’s performance remains under scrutiny. Shanahan made it clear that Moody is still effectively in a competition, if not internally, then with the entire free agent market. The coach noted that Moody has been kicking well in practice, but expectations remain high as the preseason progresses. If Moody stumbles, the 49ers could revisit the idea of bringing in competition later in camp or during the regular season.
