GREEN BAY, Wis. — While much of the attention at Green Bay Packers training camp has focused on position battles across the roster, another storyline has emerged during the opening week of practice—the development of rookie kicker Trey Smack.
Selected by the Packers after the team traded up in the 2026 NFL Draft, Smack arrived in Green Bay with high expectations following a standout collegiate career that earned him All-SEC honors. Early in training camp, however, consistency has proven to be a challenge.
Smack has experienced an up-and-down start to camp, missing several field-goal attempts during team periods as he adjusts to the speed and pressure of the NFL. His performances have drawn attention from both coaches and fans, but the Packers remain committed to allowing the rookie time to develop.
Green Bay demonstrated its confidence in Smack before training camp began by reshaping the competition at the position. The Packers released veteran kicker Lucas Havrisik on July 28 and briefly signed Lenny Krieg before also moving on from him, leaving Smack as the lone kicker on the roster.
The coaching staff believes evaluating Smack requires considering the circumstances surrounding the operation as a whole.
An injury to veteran long snapper Matt Orzech has forced Green Bay to use a backup snapper during kicking drills, affecting the timing and rhythm that are critical to the kicking process. While Smack is ultimately responsible for making kicks, the coaching staff recognizes that every part of the operation—from the snap to the hold—must function smoothly.
Head coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged that the rookie remains a work in progress and stressed that the organization is focused on long-term development rather than overreacting to early training camp results.
Rather than placing too much emphasis on practice statistics, Green Bay plans to evaluate Smack’s progress when the games begin.
The Packers’ preseason schedule will provide the rookie with his first opportunity to perform under game conditions, including Family Night at Lambeau Field on Aug. 7, followed by preseason contests against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 13 and the Denver Broncos on Aug. 21.
Those performances are expected to carry far greater weight than practice sessions in determining whether Smack is ready to handle kicking duties during the regular season
Beyond the kicking position, Green Bay continues evaluating one of its few major position battles at outside cornerback, where several players are competing for the starting role opposite the team’s established veteran. The coaching staff has emphasized that every practice and preseason game will play an important role in shaping the final 53-man roster.
For Smack, the path remains straightforward. If he can demonstrate consistency and perform under pressure during the preseason, he has a strong opportunity to secure the Packers’ kicking job entering Week 1. Should his struggles continue, Green Bay could explore adding competition before the regular season begins.
With several weeks remaining before the opener, the Packers are giving their rookie kicker every opportunity to prove he can become the club’s long-term answer on special teams.
