Packers have 2 weird situations pop up at once right ahead of the Giants game, creating unexpected questions to sort out
Brandon McManus is not expected to play, and Malik Heath has been ruled out even without an injury.
The Green Bay Packers had ruled out just one player, cornerback Nate Hobbs, and had three others listed as questionable — wide receivers Matthew Golden and Savion Williams, plus edge defender Lukas Van Ness.
Out of nowhere, or kind of, the Packers have to handle two other issues for the New York Giants game on Sunday.
Kicking situation
Brandon McManus, who wasn’t even on the injury report throughout the week, was downgraded to doubtful to play because of the same right quad injury that has affected him for several weeks. First, McManus had missed the games against the Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals. Since then, he has played, albeit through the pain.
As a result, he hasn’t been as reliable for the Packers as he was in 2024. The veteran has a 64.7 field goal percentage this season, one of the worst in the NFL. It’s not unrealistic to expect that the Packers will end up placing McManus on injured reserve at some point.
Without McManus, Lucas Havrisik is in line to play again. In the first two games he played, Havrisik was excellent, converting all of his 10 kicks — including a 61-yard field goal, the longest in franchise history.
Coach’s decision at wide receiver
Malik Heath will not travel to New York and has been ruled out for the game. The team announced it as the coach’s decision, but hasn’t released more details. It’s not a suspension, but it’s neither injury-related nor a personal matter.
The Packers didn’t elevate any wide receiver from the practice squad for gameday. That means the only receivers available to play are Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Dontayvion Wicks, Matthew Golden, and Savion Williams. Golden and Williams are questionable, but there are indications both will be available.
Green Bay can also count on Bo Melton, who was converted to cornerback during training camp but has played offensive snaps throughout the season, including 26 against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
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