Packers Sign New Kicker and Cut Veteran Hours Before Bengals Game
The Green Bay Packers are no strangers to tension-filled weekends, and they’ve added another layer to the drama just ahead of their matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. With veteran kicker Brandon McManus nursing a right quadricep injury, Green Bay made a move it hopes it won’t need-but one that could become critical. They’ve signed Lucas Havrisik to the 53-man roster, giving themselves insurance if McManus can’t go.
Head coach Matt LaFleur didn’t sugarcoat things during the week, describing McManus’ injury as a “major concern.” McManus, to his credit, hasn’t backed down. He’s stayed optimistic, pointing back to a similar quad issue he navigated in 2022-when he responded by drilling two 50-yard field goals and a 40-yarder in the same game.
“I plan on playing,” McManus said confidently. But behind the scenes, the Packers’ contingency plan was already in motion.
They flew Havrisik into Cincinnati as a just-in-case option. And now we know-it’s not just precaution. McManus has officially been ruled out for the game, and Havrisik will handle kicking duties against the Bengals.
This isn’t just a Hail Mary move. Havrisik may not yet be a household name, but the guy’s got a leg and a résumé to back it up.
He led the UFL in made field goals this past spring, going 22-for-25 for the Dallas Renegades, including a 54-yarder that showcased both power and poise. And in 2023, he posted a 15-for-20 line with the Los Angeles Rams, proving he’s no stranger to NFL pressure.
With Havrisik now thrust into the spotlight, the Packers are hoping he can channel some of that UFL form on Sunday.
The roster shuffle went beyond the kicking situation, too. On the practice squad, defensive lineman Deslin Alexandre was released, and offensive lineman Brant Banks was brought back into the fold.
Banks, an undrafted rookie, actually got a taste of NFL game-day action in Week 2 after a quick stint with the Tennessee Titans. He’s back now, adding depth to the offensive line rotation.
It’s been that type of season for Green Bay-fluid, unpredictable, and full of moving pieces. Sitting at 2-2, the Packers are looking to find consistency in Week 6, but standing in the way is a 2-3 Bengals team that's hungry to get back on track, too.
The headlines will focus on quarterbacks Jordan Love and Joe Burrow, but don’t sleep on special teams. With McManus out, Havrisik could find himself at the center of the moment the game turns. Opportunities in the NFL can come fast and unannounced-now it’s his shot.
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