After watching newcomer Alex Hale kick during Wednesday’s practice, Green Bay Packers kickers Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph were both perfect on Thursday, the final practice before Green Bay’s preseason opener on Saturday vs. the Cleveland Browns.
According to Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com, Carlson and Joseph both went 6-for-6 at practice Thursday. They made kicks from 40, 44, 47, 49, 50 and 51 yards.
Both kickers should be feeling confident going into the Packers’ first exhibition game on Saturday. It’s possible the three preseason games will be the deciding factor in the competition as the Packers attempt to identify the best kicker for the 2024 season.
The Packers returned to a three-way kicking competition when they signed Hale, a rookie out of Oklahoma State. Hale made 5-of-6 kicks in his debut on Wednesday.
Carlson and Joseph both enjoyed a strong performance inside Lambeau Field on Family Night but struggled in windy conditions during practice on Tuesday, going 4-for-7. Coach Matt LaFleur said the wind at Ray Nitschke Field was uncharacteristically strong, and no kicker would likely face such direct wind inside an NFL stadium.
On Thursday, LaFleur dismissed the idea that signing Hale was a reflection of the team’s evaluation on the kicker competition, suggesting the move was moreso a reward for Hale, who was excellent during the team’s workout.
It’s unclear how the Packers will divvy up kicking opportunities during the preseason. Carlson is listed first on the unofficial depth chart. Getting all three kickers adequate opportunities in-game could be challenging.
The forecast for Cleveland on Saturday calls for average temps — in the mid 70s — with winds between 15-20 miles per hour. Kickoff from Cleveland Browns Stadium is set for 3:25 p.m.