If the Green Bay Packers can’t find anyone on the NFL’s typically lean October market to fill their kicker job better than struggling rookie Brayden Narveson, they could get creative.
The Packers used an international exemption on Australian kicker Alex Hale, a rookie currently on their practice squad. They could elevate Hale to the active roster for gameday three times, same as any other player on their practice squad.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur would only say Monday that Hale could “potentially” be ready to kick if they want to give him a chance this week. It likely would be dependent on how Hale, a late addition to the roster in training camp, has kicked in practice. Asked if he’s considering a change at kicker, LaFleur said, “I wouldn’t say that right now, no.”
But Narveson’s struggles have compounded through the first six games. The rookie missed a 44-yard field goal in the third quarter of Sunday’s 34-13 win against the Arizona Cardinals, the fourth time he’s missed a kick this season. In another, Week 3 at the Tennessee Titans, Narveson missed a 48-yard field goal that was nullified because of a defensive penalty.
Narveson has made only 12 of 17 field goals this season. His 17 field-goal attempts are tied for second most in the NFL. Of the 25 NFL kickers with at least 10 attempts, only Narveson has missed more than three kicks. Each of his misses have come within 50 yards.
LaFleur said after Sunday’s game that he remains confident in his rookie kicker. Asked Monday when Narveson’s misses will require a change, LaFleur indicated only that he has not reached that point. But promoting Hale for a week or two could be one way for the Packers to rehabilitate Narveson’s confidence.
“We’ll see,” LaFleur said. “We’ll take it day by day.”