Anders Carlson #17 of the Green Bay Packers
As the Green Bay Packers inch closer to finalizing their 53-man roster for the upcoming NFL season, one certainty has emerged: 2023 sixth-round pick Anders Carlson will not be part of the team’s kicking game this year.
Carlson, who had a steady presence for the Packers throughout the 2023 season, was waived by the team following a series of preseason struggles. The 26-year-old kicker, who had previously converted 27 of 33 field goals and 34 of 39 extra points, found himself on shaky ground after missing a critical 32-yard attempt in the fourth quarter of Green Bay’s preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens.
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The Packers’ decision comes as part of their ongoing effort to determine their final roster, which includes a comprehensive evaluation of their kicking options. Carlson’s inconsistent performance during the preseason, highlighted by the missed field goal, appears to have played a crucial role in the team’s choice to move on.
The Packers entered training camp with a crowded competition at the kicker position, featuring Carlson alongside Alex Hale and Greg Joseph. With Carlson now waived, the team will need to make a decision between Hale and Joseph, or potentially seek out a new kicker through waivers or trade before the season begins.
Carlson’s departure marks a significant moment for the Packers, as they evaluate their special teams unit in the quest to build a roster capable of competing at the highest level. The team’s choice will be closely watched, as Green Bay aims to ensure stability and reliability in a critical aspect of their game.
In a notable family connection, Carlson’s brother, Daniel, currently serves as the kicker for the Las Vegas Raiders, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Anders Carlson’s career trajectory. As Green Bay continues to finalize their roster, the focus will now shift to finding the right solution to their kicking dilemma and ensuring that special teams play is a strong point heading into the new season.
