Green Bay Packers rookie kicker Trey Smack struggled in windy conditions during Tuesday’s OTA practice, finishing 5-for-9 on the day, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.
This was a setback from the first time Smack kicked in front of the media, going 7-for-8 on kicks ranging from 26 to 35 yards last Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Smack wasn’t nearly as consistent from farther out, with misses coming from 35, 38, 42, and 46 yards. Smack finished his college career as an 82.8 percent kicker at Florida, where his distance and accuracy helped set a school record by connecting on 10-out-of-13 kicks from at least 50 yards.
The Packers will obviously be patient with Smack after selecting him in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft and subsequently cutting veteran kicker Brandon McManus, but that patience could wear thin if the ball isn’t sailing through the uprights at a consistent enough rate.
Maybe it was just an off day for Smack, and he’ll be able to rebound in the future. Kicking in Green Bay weather is an adjustment for him, but it’s something he will have to learn to deal with.
As the only kicker on the roster, the pressure isn’t going to ease up for the rookie. Given how crucial field goals are, it’s not out of the question that the team will bring in some competition if Smack doesn’t improve.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers rookie kicker Trey Smack struggles at Tuesday’s OTA practice
Reporting by Brandon Carwile, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
