If you follow the Green Bay Packers, you’re probably a little confused by their in-season decisions. The team has had a promising start to the 2025 NFL season, rising to the No. 1 spot in the NFC North with a 5-2-1 record.
What hasn’t been expected, however, is their complicated kicker situation. With Brandon McManus’ injury and poor performance at the forefront, fans have remained curious about the team’s decision, hopefully leaning towards the more favorable option in Lucas Havrisik.
Packers HC Matt LaFleur Shares Update on Green Bay’s Complicated Kicker Situation
Signing McManus to a three-year, $15.3 million deal early this year, the Packers committed to having McManus as their starter. However, the veteran has struggled in 2025, converting just 68.8% of his field goals.
He also missed two games due to a quadriceps injury to his kicking leg.
Matt LaFleur says they’ll go with whichever kicker gives them the best chance to win. Both Brandon McManus and Lucas Havrisik will kick today.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) November 6, 2025
His return to the field has been less than ideal, as he went wide left on a 43-yard attempt during the team’s 16-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Before the injury, he missed two field goal attempts of 57 and 44 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
And with head coach Matt LaFleur sticking to McManus, fans grew increasingly worried about the team’s upcoming Monday Night Football clash against the Philadelphia Eagles.
LaFleur, though, provided an update about the situation during Thursday’s practice.
“Matt LaFleur says they’ll go with whichever kicker gives them the best chance to win. Both Brandon McManus and Lucas Havrisik will kick today,” The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman wrote on X.
As per the update, LaFleur plans to have both McManus and Havrisik practice before their MNF clash.
Giving no clear answer, the HC explained, “Every time it’s a competitive situation. We’re gonna have both guys kick today & see where Brandon is at… We’ll go with who gives us the best opportunity to compete and win.”
While LaFleur remains undecided about whom to start, his tone could be leaning away from McManus after the Panthers’ loss.
Havrisik stepped up in McManus’ place without hesitation, recording four field goals and six extra points. He also stole the spotlight with a 61-yard franchise record.
Brandon McManus is Aware of His Poor Performance
Clearly struggling to play at a high level, McManus was honest about his approach.
“Last week (in Pittsburgh), I kicked like (expletive). Played terrible last week and pretty much again today,” McManus said postgame. “I can’t miss kicks that are well within my range. Played terrible.”
He admitted that the injury was frustrating, especially since it is his first real injury in his career.
The Packers have the 5th-ranked offense in total yards per game and 12th-ranked rushing offense as per PFSN’s Offensive Impact metric, and the 12th-ranked defense in PFSN’s Defense Impact metric.
