OWINGS MILLS, Md. Baltimore Ravens punter Sam Koch is not expected to play in the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, which would end the NFL’s third longest active consecutive games at 239.
Koch is on the reserve / COVID-19 list after his test was unclear on Wednesday. This would be the first time he missed a game in his 15-year NFL career.
The only players currently having longer streaks in the NFL are Dallas Cowboys long snapper LP Ladouceur (252 games) and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (240). Koch’s streak is also a Ravens franchise account.
“I’m pretty sure he should be out based on the number of days,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said after Friday’s practice. That’s the way I read it now. I just assume he won’t be there. ‘
Harbaugh later added, “I don’t expect him to be out after Sunday.”
This is an indication that Koch did not test positive and should only be quarantined for five days. He would be available when Baltimore (10-5) advances to the postseason. The Ravens can capture a wild card berth by defeating the Bengals (4-10-1). If the Ravens lose, Baltimore can still secure a playoff spot if the Colts or Cleveland Browns lose.
Johnny Townsend, who hasn’t spotted in an NFL game since 2018, will replace Koch on Sunday. Townsend, a 2018 fifth-round roster by the Raiders, was signed by Baltimore on Thursday and had one full practice with the team.
“We’re very happy to have him,” said Harbaugh. “He had a good practice today. We expect him to do very well in the game.”