Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur expressed confidence in his novel kicker and said a role at backup quarterback behind Jordan Love in Week 1 has not yet been determined.
LaFleur said rookie Brayden Narveson, who was acquired from the Tennessee Titans’ reserve roster on Wednesday, has made a good impression in two kicking sessions since arriving in Green Bay as the novel kicker entering the 2024 season.
“He did well,” LaFleur said Sunday. “He kicked again today, so now he kicked twice. I just like his approach, his mentality, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the game.”
Narveson’s first NFL kicks will almost certainly come Friday against the Philadelphia Eagles in a nationally televised prime-time game in Brazil.
Narveson, a kicker the Packers liked in the 2024 draft class, has made 6 of 7 field goals in the preseason for the Titans and has earned the trust of LaFleur and the Packers so far. Last Friday, during a windy workout at Lambeau Field, Narveson made all five of his field goal attempts, including a 58-yarder.
“I’ve seen enough to trust him. Do I trust him? Absolutely, I do,” LaFleur said.
Narveson said he was 5-of-6 in Sunday’s training session. The next step is to kick in Sao Paulo.
At backup quarterback, LaFleur tabbed Malik Willis, who is on the 53-man roster, and Sean Clifford, who is on the practice squad, as contenders for the No. 2 spot behind Love in Week 1. Willis was acquired in a trade with the Titans before the cuts were finalized and is still gaining momentum in the offense. Clifford, who was Love’s backup last season, has a lot of experience in the scheme and could be an attractive option if LaFleur and the Packers decide Willis isn’t quite ready.
LaFleur said Willis and Clifford both took part in scout team rallies and both “did well” on Sunday. He wants both to be prepared in case they have to play against the Eagles on Friday.
You can hear more about LaFleur below:
