Former Green Bay Packers running back Anders Carlson signed with the New York Jets’ practice squad on Friday, marking the beginning of a up-to-date chapter in Carlson’s whirlwind journey to the NFL.
The Jets also released veteran kicker Riley Patterson from the 53-man roster, which will likely open the door for Carlson to become the team’s kicker in Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. Experienced kicker Greg Zuerlein is on injured reserve.
Carlson, a sixth-round draft pick of the Packers in 2023, played two games with the San Francisco 49ers earlier this season. For the 49ers, he made all five field goals (long 55) and scored 3 of 4 extra points.
The Packers released Carlson on tight end in tardy August. He lost the kicker battle in the offseason and was replaced, at least initially, by Greg Joseph, but the Packers quickly reversed course and started the regular season with rookie Brayden Narveson. After five unsuccessful games, the Packers changed course again, releasing Narveson and signing veteran Brandon McManus, who made 6 of 7 field goals (including two game winners) and 6 of 6 extra points in three games.
As a 2023 rookie, Carlson made 27 of 33 field goals (81.8%) and 34 of 39 extra points (87.2%). He missed four field goals of 40-49 yards and two of more than 50 yards. In the postseason, Carlson missed a field goal in San Francisco and missed an extra point in Dallas, giving him a total of 13 missed attempts in 19 games.
In New York, Carlson will join quarterback Aaron Rodgers and receivers Davante Adams and Allen Lazard, who will be among the former Packers playing for the Jets in 2024.
