Bears promote kicker Jake Moody, rule out Cairo Santos for Commanders game

LANDOVER, Md. — The Bears promoted backup Jake Moody hours before Monday night’s game against the Commanders and then ruled out Cairo Santos 90 minutes before kickoff.

Santos hurt his right quad two weeks ago against the Raiders. Santos made all four field goals in the win, but felt pain in the quad that prevented him from handling kickoffs in the fourth quarter. Punter Tory Taylor was given the duties.

Santos was a full participant all week but was still listed as questionable for “Monday Night Football.”

Moody struggled in the three years since the 49ers used the No. 99 pick on him in 2023, going 46-for-62. He missed two field goals in the season opener and was cut. The Bears signed him to the practice squad after Santos failed to kick a ball into the end zone with about two minutes left to go in their own opener.

Last week, Moody told the Sun-Times that the change of scenery was a blessing in disguise.

“Getting cut puts everything into perspective — what’s important in life, what’s not important,” he said. “You think it’s the end of the world. … We’re just playing football. Realizing that and being able to have fun with it while I’m doing it.”

The Bears’ healthy scratches are receiver Jahdae Walker, defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon, third-string quarterback Case Keenum, linebacker Ruben Hyppolite and offensive lineman Luke Newman. The Bears ruled out defensive tackle Grady Jarrett with a knee injury Saturday.

The Commanders made receiver Deebo Samuel active after he was questionable because of a heel injury.

The Bears did not promote defensive end Austin Booker from the practice squad. Booker had four sacks this preseason before hurting his knee. He and running back Travis Homer, a special teams ace, each participated fully all week in practice after having their 21-day window opened to come off injured reserve. Homer was also ruled out. The Bears also promoted defensive tackle Jonathan Ford.