OWINGS MILLS, Md. Baltimore Ravens scorer Sam Koch is not expected to play in the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, which would end the NFL’s third longest consecutive active series at 239.
Koch is on the reserve / COVID-19 list after his test came back unconvincing on Wednesday. It would be the first time he’s missed a game in his 15-year NFL career.
The only players currently to have longer streaks in the NFL are Dallas Cowboys longtime snapper LP Ladouceur (252 games) and Indianapolis Colts fullback Philip Rivers (240). Koch’s series is also a Ravens franchise record.
“I’m pretty sure he should be based on the day’s count, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said after Friday’s practice. “So I read it now. I assume he’s not going to be there.”
Harbaugh later added: “I do not expect him to be beyond Sunday.”
This is an indication that Koch did not test positive and only needs to be quarantined for five days. He will be available if Baltimore (10-5) advances to the national season. The Ravens can clinch a wildcard spot by beating the Bengals (4-10-1). If the Ravens lose, Baltimore could still score a playoff spot if the Colts or Cleveland Browns lose.
Johnny Townsend, who has not competed in an NFL game since 2018, will replace Koch on Sunday. A selection of the Raiders in the fifth round in 2018, Townsend, was signed by Baltimore on Thursday and had one full practice with the team.
“We are very happy to have him,” Harbaugh said. “He had a good practice today. We expect him to do very well in the game.”