Here’s a bold statement: the Green Bay Packers’ kicking game is about to face a major test, and it’s not just about the points on the scoreboard. But here’s where it gets controversial—is relying on a backup kicker against a team like the New York Giants a risky move, or a strategic masterstroke? Let’s dive in.
The Packers made headlines on Saturday when they added veteran kicker Brandon McManus to the injury report, listing him as doubtful for Week 11 due to a persistent right quad injury. This isn’t a new issue—McManus has been battling this injury for over a month, and despite the team’s insistence that he was healthy earlier in the week, a setback appears to have occurred, possibly during Friday’s practice. And this is the part most people miss—McManus’s struggles since returning from the injury have been noticeable, with a 4-for-8 field goal record and misses in three straight games. He currently ranks last among qualified kickers in field goal percentage, raising questions about his reliability.
Enter Lucas Havrisik, the Packers’ backup kicker, who is now expected to step into the spotlight on Sunday. Signed as an injury replacement, Havrisik has already proven his worth, going 4-for-4 on field goals—including a clutch kick in Week 6 and a franchise-record 61-yard field goal in Week 7—and 6-for-6 on extra points. His performance has been nothing short of impressive, especially considering he had only played in nine regular season games before joining the Packers in October. Here’s the kicker (pun intended)—the Packers’ decision to keep Havrisik on the 53-man roster despite McManus’s return now looks like a stroke of genius. They’re the only NFL team this season to carry two kickers on their active roster, and it’s paying off.
But let’s not forget the bigger picture. McManus’s injury raises questions about the team’s long-term strategy. Is Havrisik the future, or just a temporary solution? And what does this mean for McManus’s role moving forward? Here’s a thought-provoking question for you—should the Packers stick with Havrisik even if McManus returns to full health, or is experience the deciding factor? Let us know in the comments.
For now, all eyes are on Havrisik as he prepares to face the Giants. With a history of clutch performances and a record-breaking kick under his belt, he’s certainly earned the opportunity. But in the high-stakes world of the NFL, one miss can change everything. Will Havrisik rise to the occasion, or will the pressure prove too much? Only time will tell. One thing’s for sure—this game just got a whole lot more interesting.
