Green Bay Packers Kicker Drama Continues: Lucas Havrisik Steps Up
The Green Bay Packers' struggles at kicker continue as Brandon McManus is listed as doubtful due to a right quadriceps injury, leaving the team's latest signing, Lucas Havrisik, with the opportunity to prove himself. With 18 months of turmoil behind them, the Packers finally found stability last year when McManus arrived, but it seems that era has come to an end.
Havrisik was signed by Green Bay on October 11 and has made all 10 of his kicks when McManus missed games against Cincinnati and Arizona. However, he has been inactive for the past three weeks, with the team opting to keep both kickers on the roster. "Very unusual," Havrisik said of this approach.
When healthy, McManus has struggled, going just 4-of-8 on field goals and 5-of-5 on extra points since returning from injury. His overall performance has fallen short of expectations, with a conversion rate ranking last among kickers who have attempted the feat this season.
The Packers' special teams coach, Rich Bisaccia, acknowledged that McManus is still recovering from his injury and emphasized that the team needs to focus on getting him back to full health. "Last year, for whatever it is, is gone," he said. "Right now we're working through coming back all of an injury, which he hasn’t had for a long, long time."
With McManus out, Havrisik will likely take over the kicking duties against the New York Giants on Sunday. The rookie has spoken about approaching each week with an even-keel mindset, focusing solely on his next kick rather than dwelling on past performances.
As the Packers look to bounce back from another injury-plagued season at kicker, they are counting on Havrisik to provide some consistency. Can he step up and prove himself as a reliable option? Only time will tell.
The Green Bay Packers' struggles at kicker continue as Brandon McManus is listed as doubtful due to a right quadriceps injury, leaving the team's latest signing, Lucas Havrisik, with the opportunity to prove himself. With 18 months of turmoil behind them, the Packers finally found stability last year when McManus arrived, but it seems that era has come to an end.
Havrisik was signed by Green Bay on October 11 and has made all 10 of his kicks when McManus missed games against Cincinnati and Arizona. However, he has been inactive for the past three weeks, with the team opting to keep both kickers on the roster. "Very unusual," Havrisik said of this approach.
When healthy, McManus has struggled, going just 4-of-8 on field goals and 5-of-5 on extra points since returning from injury. His overall performance has fallen short of expectations, with a conversion rate ranking last among kickers who have attempted the feat this season.
The Packers' special teams coach, Rich Bisaccia, acknowledged that McManus is still recovering from his injury and emphasized that the team needs to focus on getting him back to full health. "Last year, for whatever it is, is gone," he said. "Right now we're working through coming back all of an injury, which he hasn’t had for a long, long time."
With McManus out, Havrisik will likely take over the kicking duties against the New York Giants on Sunday. The rookie has spoken about approaching each week with an even-keel mindset, focusing solely on his next kick rather than dwelling on past performances.
As the Packers look to bounce back from another injury-plagued season at kicker, they are counting on Havrisik to provide some consistency. Can he step up and prove himself as a reliable option? Only time will tell.