The Cleveland Browns won’t be needing a new kicker for Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers.
On Sept. 19, it was revealed that kicker Andre Szmyt got injured during practice and was set to undergo an MRI, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski revealed.
“Yeah, during practice. Felt something, we’ll get an MRI and see what it is,” Stefanski said.
When asked if Szmyt would be able to play on Sunday, Stefanski wasn’t sure, as he said they needed to get him checked out.
“I think it’s premature to say,” Stefanski said.
Now, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Szmyt is all cleared and the injury designation has been removed from him, as he will be a full-go in Week 3.
Browns kicker Andre Szmyt, who had a little scare with his calf on Friday, checked out OK and will kick on Sunday, source says. The team is removing his questionable destination,” Rapoport wrote on X.
It’s good news for the Browns that Cleveland won’t need to find a new kicker for Sunday’s Week 3 home matchup against the Packers.
Szmyt is 2-for-3 on field goals and 3-for-4 on extra points, as he was perfect in Week 2 after he struggled in Week 1.
Browns Were Confident in Szmyt
Cleveland lost 17-16 to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, and a key reason why was Szmyt’s struggles.
Szmyt missed an extra point and a field goal, which would have been the difference in the Browns winning. Yet, after the disappointing week, Cleveland’s special teams coach, Bubba Ventrone, remained confident in his rookie kicker.
“I would say this. You know, he’s done a really good job since he’s been here, you know, from the end of last year on practice squad, from April all the way until this point,” Ventrone said. “So, we have a lot of confidence in him. Had a good practice yesterday. I have confidence that he’s going to get it right…
“So, I think that it’s important that he understands that we support him. And, he also understands that we expect him to make his kicks,” Ventrone added. “So, I think that he’s done everything in his power in the last four days to put it to bed, get back to work, and get the results we want.”
Szmyt rebounded nicely in Week 2.
Cleveland Ready for Challenge of the Packers
The Browns are 0-2 to begin the season and have a big challenge in front of them in Week 3.
Cleveland is set to host the Packers, and Stefanski knows the team poses a lot of problems.
“Coach (Matt) LaFleur’s always done a great job, really, going back to when he was a coordinator and then there in Green Bay,” Stefanski said. “They really do believe in the marriage of the run and the pass. That comes true with their run game and their play actions.
“They do an excellent job of pre-snap motion with wide receivers, with tight ends, with running backs. So, there’s just a lot that goes into it,” Stefanski added. “And ultimately with offensive football, you’re trying to make it look hard on the defense and be simple for you. And I think, I’m sure the way they teach it, it’s simple for them, but it does present challenges.”
Cleveland is an 8.5-point underdog at home to Green Bay.
Browns Make Final Call on Kicker’s Status for Week 3