LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears head coach Ben Johnson made clear Wednesday that the team doesn't have a kicker controversy.
The Bears will turn back to kicker Cairo Santos once he's deemed healthy, Johnson said. His comments came two days after reserve kicker Jake Moody connected on four field goals, including a game-winning 38-yarder as time expired, in Chicago's 25-24 win at Washington on Monday.
Moody was elevated from the practice squad Monday after Santos was ruled inactive with a right thigh injury. Moody reverted back to the practice squad Tuesday, a formality for players elevated prior to a game.
The Bears signed Moody to their practice squad on Sept. 13 after he was waived by the 49ers. A third-round pick of San Francisco in 2023, Moody struggled with accuracy before being let go by the 49ers.
Moody was 1-of-3 on field-goal attempts in the 49ers' win in the season opener. He was 46-of-62 on field-goal attempts (74.2%) in his tenure with San Francisco.
Santos is 6-for-7 on field-goal attempts this season. He has been with the Bears since 2020. Santos has converted 85.5% of his field-goal attempts in his NFL career, including 89.2% of his tries in seven seasons with Chicago.
The Bears (3-2) will host the Saints (1-5) on Sunday at Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.