Koch has announced his retirement as an NFL player on Thursday, the Ravens' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Koch retires after starting all but one game for Baltimore over the past 16 seasons and currently holds the NFL's third-longest streak for consecutive starts with 239 from 2006 to 2020. The one-time Pro Bowl punter was very consistent over the course of his career, averaging 45.3 yards per punt with just two seasons averaging below 44 yards per punt. Koch was also the Ravens' longest-tenured player and will leave big shoes to fill for his likely successor in 2022 fifth-round pick Jordan Stout.

Koch was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

While it is unclear whether Koch contracted COVID-19, the punter will rejoin the team after missing Week 17's matchup against the Bengals. The 38-year-old will likely return to his punting duties for the wild-card game against the Titans on Sunday.

Koch (COVID-19 protocol) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bengals, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Koch's streak of 239 straight games -- the third-longest in NFL history -- will end, as he's set to miss the first game of his career. Johnny Townsend will punt for the Ravens on Sunday.

Koch (undisclosed) is unlikely to play in Sunday's game against the Bengals, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Koch does not appear to have tested positive for COVID-19, so he could be eligible to return in the playoffs. During Koch's likely Week 17 absence, Johnny Townsend is expected to punt against the Bengals.

The Ravens placed Koch on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Koch either tested positive for the virus or came into close contact with someone who did. It's unclear if Koch will be available for Sunday's game against the Bengals. The Ravens don't have a punter on their practice squad, but they could sign a punter off another franchise's practice squad for the season finale. Otherwise, kicker Justin Tucker -- who punted for Texas in college -- could take over as the team's punter.

Koch signed a two-year extension with the Ravens on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

The 37-year-old spent the first 14 seasons of his career in Baltimore, and he's set to remain there for another two years. Koch has a 39.8-yard net average on 100 punts over the past two seasons.

Coach John Harbaugh said the plan is for Sam Koch to remain the Ravens punter this season.

The Ravens are expected to release P Sam Koch this offseason. Once considered among the best young punters in football, Koch took a big step back in 2013, finishing 22nd in net yardage (38.9 yards) and 13th in punts inside the 20-yard line (27). Koch signed a five-year, $12.5 million deal in February of 2011. The Ravens would save $1.6 million in cap room by cutting him.