Justin Tucker may be on the verge of making a comeback to the NFL after the New Orleans Saints invited him for a workout on Monday. This marks the first time the veteran kicker has worked out with a team since serving a 10-game suspension for breaching the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
Saints head coach Kellen Moore spoke highly of Tucker, emphasizing his long-standing leadership and success on the field. Despite the “unfortunate” circumstances surrounding Tucker’s suspension, Moore noted the importance of reflecting on the experiences that have shaped him.
The suspension stemmed from a lengthy investigation into allegations of sexual assault and misconduct involving Tucker during his time with the Baltimore Ravens. Over a dozen massage therapists accused him of inappropriate behavior, including exposing himself and making unwanted physical contact during sessions. The investigation revealed serious claims, with at least 16 therapists coming forward with allegations, prompting the NFL’s decision to suspend Tucker.
Throughout the process, Tucker has consistently denied the allegations, asserting that he has not engaged in any inappropriate behavior during professional bodywork sessions. Following the scrutiny, he was released by the Ravens in May after spending his entire career with the organization since 2012.
Tucker is renowned for his kicking prowess, holding a career accuracy rating of 89.1%, which places him fourth on the NFL’s all-time list. His potential return comes at a crucial time for the Saints, who currently hold a disappointing 2-9 record. Their kicker, Blake Grupe, has struggled significantly this season, missing two kicks during a recent 24-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, resulting in the lowest accuracy rating among kickers with a minimum of 20 attempts.
As Tucker seeks to revitalize his career with the Saints, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and if he can return to the field as one of the NFL’s top kickers.