Packers Kicker Battle Suddenly Has One Detail Fans Havent Seen

Green Bay Packers rookie kicker Trey Smack silences critics with a flawless preseason performance, showcasing his potential to fill a long-standing vacancy for consistency.

Trey Smack has given the Packers exactly the kind of preseason start that turns noise into silence.

After Green Bay traded up to take the kicker in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the rookie has backed up that decision with a flawless two-game run. Through his first two preseason appearances, Smack has not missed a field goal.

He was just as clean in Green Bay’s 33-13 win over the Denver Broncos on Saturday as he was in his debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Against Denver, Smack drilled kicks from 51, 59, 43 and 38 yards, then added all three extra points. That followed his earlier preseason showing, giving him a perfect 7-for-7 mark on field-goal attempts overall.

The long-ball work has stood out most. Smack has already hit three field goals from beyond 50 yards, including the 51- and 59-yarders against the Broncos and a 58-yard kick against Pittsburgh. He has actually made eight kicks through the uprights, but one of his attempts against the Steelers was wiped out by a defensive penalty.

That preseason production looks even better when stacked against his summer work at practice. Smack has missed nine kicks on the Ray Nitschke practice field, so the game-day consistency has been a welcome answer for Green Bay.

The Packers have been chasing stability at kicker since deciding not to re-sign Mason Crosby in 2023, and Smack has delivered that steadiness so far. His range has also added another layer to the evaluation, even if none of these field goals has come in a true late-game pressure spot.

For now, though, the rookie has made the starting job look much less open. With a perfect preseason line and three makes from beyond 50 yards, Smack has built a strong early case in a hurry.

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