Packers Weigh Kicking Options as Injury Concerns Hit Ahead of Matchup With Giants

The Green Bay Packers enter Week 11 balancing stability and uncertainty, particularly on special teams. Head coach Matt LaFleur had hinted earlier in the week that every roster spot remains competitive, including kicking duties. But by week’s end, he clarified that veteran Brandon McManus continues to hold the job, with Lucas Havrisik remaining the emergency option.

That sense of clarity did not last long. Hours later, McManus appeared on the injury report with a right quad issue, casting doubt over his availability and immediately reigniting concerns about Green Bay’s ability to execute in tight, late-game scenarios. The development shifted the focus from competition to contingency.

The Packers also announced that wide receiver Malik Heath would not travel to New York due to what the team described as a coaching decision. His absence trims depth in the receiver room and forces quick recalibration of offensive packages just days after a narrow loss to Philadelphia.

With roster decisions in flux, Green Bay travels to MetLife Stadium with an emphasis on polished situational football, reduced risks, and a plan designed to avoid overexposing a compromised kicking unit.

1. Kicker Situation Narrows Strategic Choices

LaFleur reiterated that McManus remains the starting kicker and that the coaching staff would lean on the veteran’s experience whenever possible. But the quad injury changes much of the fourth-down and field-goal calculus the Packers typically rely on. A doubtful designation calls into question range, consistency, and whether long attempts are even on the table. If McManus cannot play, Havrisik becomes the default replacement, though his practice reps and familiarity with the full operation are more limited. In such a scenario, Green Bay would likely emphasize red-zone conversions more heavily, aiming to avoid settling for low-probability field goals in fringe territory. The Packers may also adjust kickoffs, opting for directional or shorter kicks designed to minimize strain on the kicker while tightening coverage responsibilities. This affects field position strategy, particularly in a potentially low-scoring contest. As LaFleur put it earlier in the week, the goal is simple: pick the option that maximizes the chances of winning close games. With uncertainty at kicker, that may require a streamlined, aggressive approach on offense.

2. Heath’s Absence Reworks Receiver Rotation

The decision to leave Malik Heath behind reshapes Green Bay’s supporting depth at wide receiver. Though not a primary pass-catcher, Heath contributes in rotational snaps and on special teams—areas where depth and flexibility often become critical on the road. Without him, the staff expects a tighter distribution of targets for Jordan Love. The offense will lean more heavily on its top receiving trio, along with selectively deployed personnel groupings that emphasize spacing, pre-snap motion, and misdirection rather than expanded rotation. Green Bay’s coaches have stressed the importance of a clean operational performance, especially after miscues contributed to their Week 10 loss. Simplifying the receiver mix helps reduce communication errors and ensures Love has a clearer picture of matchups at the line. The shift also reflects the team’s desire to prioritize rhythm over volume. The Packers don’t need spectacular numbers from depth receivers—they need cohesion within a condensed game plan.

3. LaFleur Pushes for Poise and Precision

Despite the roster turbulence, LaFleur expressed confidence in his team’s preparation, pointing to a strong practice week and a focused response following the loss to Philadelphia. His messaging centered on resilience and detail, emphasizing that the team’s identity must be built on consistent, disciplined play. Against the Giants, that means limiting turnovers, controlling the pace, and finishing drives without relying on a potentially limited kicker to decide the outcome. Green Bay’s best chance lies in early-down success that keeps Love ahead of the chains and reduces late-down pressure. Special teams execution will be under the microscope, but so will game management. End-of-half situations, field-position choices, and red-zone decisiveness could all determine whether the Packers emerge with a stabilizing win. With the NFC playoff race tightening, the margin for error shrinks. Green Bay enters Sunday aware that the fundamentals—not fireworks—will shape its trajectory.