Ben Johnson at Chicago Bears training camp – Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Ben Johnson confirms Chicago Bears starting kicker

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Eric Root | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 8:11 PM ET

It seems that there will be no kicking controversy for the Chicago Bears. Starting kicker Cairo Santos did not play in Monday’s victory due to a right thigh injury flaring up. Former 49ers kicker Jake Moody was elevated from the practice squad just hours before kickoff.

Moody was ultimately the hero for the Bears, making four of his five field goal attempts, including a 38-yarder to seal the win against the Washington Commanders.

Many seemed to believe that Moody could ultimately replace Santos completely as the starting kicker for the Bears due to Santos’ history with missed kicks.

However, Bears head coach Ben Johnson shot that idea down during Wednesday’s press conference.

Ben Johnson confirmed Cairo Santos will remain the starting kicker for the Chicago Bears

According to Bear Report’s Zack Pearson, the Bears’ head coach was asked if Santos would remain the starting kicker for the Bears if healthy. Johnson responded with a simple yes before moving on to the next question.

Ben Johnson was asked if Cairo Santos is healthy, is he the #Bears starting kicker?

His response: Yes.

— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) October 15, 2025

Santos officially has a vote of confidence from his head coach. It remains to be seen if Santos will be ready to go for Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson throws kicker under the bus after costly mistake 18 Chicago Bears Cairo Santos kicks game-winning field goal vs Packers – Credit: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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