Former Packers draft pick makes big play to bolster his spot on the 53-man roster

We had the full Anders Carlson experience on Saturday, in the Green Bay Packers preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens. He converted a 54-yard field goal in the first half, but then missed a 32-yard kick late in the game. The kicking competition is close to being complete. Carlson had an obvious advantage over Greg […]

Wendell Ferreira — NFL News Writer
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Anders Carlson
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We had the full Anders Carlson experience on Saturday, in the Green Bay Packers preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens.

He converted a 54-yard field goal in the first half, but then missed a 32-yard kick late in the game.

The kicking competition is close to being complete. Carlson had an obvious advantage over Greg Joseph, because he's a former Green Bay Packers draft pick — he's younger, cheaper, and has a longer contract.

Both had up and down moments throughout training camp. And after a tough day for Joseph on Tuesday's practice, Carlson got closer to solidify his roster spot in the preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens, on Saturday.

At Lambeau Field, Anders Carlson converted a big 54-yard field goal in Green Bay's first offensive drive. It wasn't a decisive kick and it was close to the goal post, but Carlson got it right and that's what matters.

Carlson has been slightly better than Joseph, according to Andy Herman, who covers the Packers for Pack A Day Podcast and Packer Report.

In the Packers' third drive, Greg Joseph converted a 36-yard field goal. And in the second half, the veteran kicker showed he also has a strong leg, converting a 55-yard kick.

Outcome

Carlson is expected to make the 53-man roster, with Greg Joseph and Alex Hale being released by Tuesday. But last year's sixth-rounder missed an easy 32-yard kick late in the game, showing the Packers have real reasons to be concerned about his inconsistency.

However, Hale has been designated as a member of the International Pathway Program. If he clears waivers, the Packers will be able to bring him back to the practice squad without counting to the 16-man limit. Hale would be allowed to be elevated for gameday or promoted to the 53-man roster throughout the regular season.

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