Chicago Bears Add Kicker Jake Moody Amid Starter Injuries

The Chicago Bears have signed former San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody to their practice squad following a disappointing Week 1 performance by both Moody and Bears veteran Cairo Santos. Moody, a third-round pick in 2023, showed early promise by setting a Super Bowl record with a 55-yard field goal but has struggled recently, making just 70-74% of his field goals in 2024 and missing two kicks in the 49ers' Week 1 victory, leading to his release. Santos, who has been with the Bears since 2020, also had a rough start in Week 1, missing a 50-yard field goal and failing to kick the ball out of the end zone late in the game, which allowed the Vikings to run down the clock. The Bears are adding Moody to compete for the starting kicker position, reflecting dissatisfaction with Santos' recent performance under new head coach Ben Johnson. Despite Moody's recent struggles, the Bears see potential upside in the young kicker, who will initially provide depth behind Santos. The competition aims to improve the Bears' kicking game after costly misses in critical moments.