Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur expressed confidence in his new kicker and said the backup quarterback job behind Jordan Love for Week 1 is still to be determined.
LaFleur said rookie Brayden Narveson, who was claimed off waivers from the Tennessee Ttians on Wednesday, has impressed during his two kicking sessions since arriving in Green Bay as the new kicker to start 2024.
“He’s done a nice job,” LaFleur said Sunday. “He kicked again today, so he’s kicked twice now. I just like his approach, his mentality, and I just can’t wait to see what happens in the game.”
Narveson’s first kicks in the NFL will almost certainly be Friday against the Philadelphia Eagles in a nationally televised primetime game in Brazil.
Narveson, a kicker the Packers liked in the 2024 draft class, made 6-of-7 field goals during the preseason for the Titans and has earned confidence from LaFleur and the Packers so far. Last Friday, at a practice inside windy Lambeau Field, Narveson made all five field goal attempts, including a 58-yarder.
“I’ve seen enough to be confident in him. Do I have confidence in him? Absolutely, I do,” LaFleur said.
Narveson said he went 5-for-6 at Sunday’s practice. Next up is kicking in Sao Paulo.
At backup quarterback, LaFleur indicated Malik Willis, who is on the 53-man roster, and Sean Clifford, who is on the practice squad, are competing to be the No. 2 behind Love for Week 1. Willis was acquired in a trade with the Titans before final cuts and is still getting up to speed with the offense. Clifford, who was Love’s backup last season, has a big experience edge in the scheme and could be an attraction elevation option if LaFleur and the Packers don’t think Willis is quite ready.
LaFleur said Willis and Clifford have both taken scout team reps, and both “did a nice job” on Sunday. He wants both prepared in case they have to play vs. the Eagles on Friday.
