The NFL finally revealed when former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker will be able to play in the 2025 season, amid allegations of sexual misconduct brought against the five-time All-Pro by multiple massage therapists.
A statement released by the league on Thursday, July 26, revealed Tucker will be suspended for 10 weeks. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the suspension will begin on “roster cutdown day, August 26, and he will be eligible for reinstatement on Tuesday, November 11.”
Returning to the field will depend on a team giving Tucker his chance, but the league will allow the 35-year-old to “try out and sign with a club.” If Tucker’s “signed during the offseason, he may attend training camp and participate in preseason games.”
A suspension concludes a league investigation that began in February, per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, in response to allegations first revealed in a January 30 article from The Baltimore Banner’s Julie Scharper, Brenna Smith and Justin Fenton. Further reporting detailed accusations of “sexually inappropriate behavior” brought by three more therapists, before Scharper, Smith and Fenton posted a third article about seven additional therapists bringing allegations against Tucker.
The NFL’s ruling prompted the following message from Tucker’s agent, Rob Roche (h/t ESPN’s Adam Schefter). He posted, “We are disappointed with the NFL’s decision. Justin has always strived to carry himself in a way that would make his family and community proud. He stands by his previous statements. In order to put this difficult episode behind him and get back on the field as soon as possible, we have advised Justin to accept this resolution and close this matter. The people who know Justin best know his character and understand that while he remains fully committed to excellence as a football player, he is deeply dedicated to his most important lifetime roles as a father, husband, and friend.”
While Tucker is accepting the suspension, he originally posted a strongly-worded denial on January 30, shortly after news of the initial allegations first broke. He and his wife Amanda also responded in an article on OutKick on February 26.
The NFL suspending Tucker won’t impact the Ravens, who released him on May 5. Yet, the team remains in the midst of transitioning away from a prolific kicker who was a franchise staple before struggling last season.
Ravens Still Searching for Justin Tucker’s Replacement
Finding their successor for Tucker is already proving challenging for the Ravens. They had been counting on 2025 NFL draft sixth-round pick Tyler Loop handling the job, but the first kicker drafted in franchise history endured a tough time at minicamp.
Loop’s issues with both accuracy and distance presented hope to undrafted John Hoyland. His flawless efficiency on the final day of camp has put the former Wyoming standout firmly in the mix to help the Ravens move on from Tucker.
The case for Hoyland is growing stronger, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. He believes Hoyland has “the best chance” to make the roster of every member of this year’s rookie free-agent class.
No matter who wins the job, the Ravens are seeking a Mr. Automatic. A kicker who can be depended upon in clutch situations.
Tucker used to fit the description, but his final season at M&T Bank Stadium showcased a decline in a kicking game the Ravens had gotten used to being a team strength.
Justin Tucker’s Erratic Form Cost Ravens
Losing his range meant Tucker cost the Ravens points and games last season. Most notably against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13.
Tucker missed a pair of field goals and an extra point. Those errant kicks condemned the Ravens to a 24-19 defeat against the eventual Super Bowl champions, but they weren’t Tucker’s only costly errors.
The seven-time Pro Bowler looked anything but when he was inaccurate with two field goals during a 18-16 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers two weeks earlier. Tucker even briefly lost kickoff duties later in the season.
Restoring excellence in football’s third phase will be an ongoing process for the Ravens, but it won’t start in earnest until they’ve adequately replaced Tucker.
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