GREEN BAY, Wis. — One of the battles in Green Bay Packers training camp is at the kicker position. Anders Carlson is the incumbent, but he had enough shaky moments (12 missed kicks) last season for the Packers to bring in competition.
Former Minnesota Vikings kicker Greg Joseph and former University of Michigan kicker James Turner are in camp. Carlson said he can’t worry about them and his confidence remains high.
“It’s all about me and what I can do to improve myself,” said Carlson. “It will fall where it falls. Confidence, in my job, needs to stay high. It’s really self-belief. That doesn’t waver. I believe in myself and what I do, so just got to keep that going.”
Meanwhile, wide receiver Jayden Reed started camp on the Non-Football Injury List with what he said might best be described as turf toe. It’s not considered major. Reed said he has a much different feeling than last year, when he was a rookie.
“Just walking in the door, I know what I’m doing,” said Reed. “Knowing the playbook. Just feel way more confident.”
Reed, who led the Packers last season with 10 touchdowns, said he can also sense something special building with this team.
“I’m sure you guys can hear, guys are really excited to be back,” said Reed. “Competing with different guys, new guys in the locker room. So, I’m excited to get back out there.”
“There’s a lot of energy in the building right now,” said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. “I just think anytime you talk about the character of the football team, and why that’s so important, I think you can feel it from our guys.”
“I do feel really good about this group,” added Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst. “I like the way they work together. I like what’s important to them. I like their ability to put the team before themselves. Every year is a new year. There’s so many different challenges. I think the thing that I’m most confident in is that whatever challenges are thrown at them, they won’t blink.”