Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur firmly committed to rookie kicker Trey Smack following a frustrating 20-17 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. When pressed on whether Smack would retain his starting role despite two critical field goal failures, LaFleur offered a decisive one-word response: “Yes.” The decision underscores the coaching staff’s belief in Smack’s long-term potential, even as the team navigates the inevitable turbulence of a rookie season.
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Smack’s struggles were on full display during the defeat, as he missed a 26-yard attempt to cap the first drive and saw a 35-yard try partially blocked late in the fourth quarter, both sailing wide right. These errors have dropped his season field goal percentage to 68.8% (11-for-16), while he has also missed two extra points. Among the 32 kickers with at least five field goal attempts in 2026, Smack currently ranks 29th in field goal percentage and 28th in extra point percentage, highlighting the statistical gap between his current performance and league standards.
Despite the immediate cost of these misses, LaFleur emphasized that the organization must move past the disappointment. “You never want to go through it. Trey is a guy who has proven he can do it. I know he can do it,” LaFleur stated post-game. The coach urged the team to “wipe this one clean and move on,” signaling that the Packers will continue to give Smack the opportunity to refine his mechanics and build confidence rather than turning to a veteran backup.
Source: Yahoo Sports
