Rookie kicker Trey Smack earned his job, performing much better for the Green Bay Packers in the preseason than he did over the offseason and the early part of training camp. But the Packers added additional kicker insurance Wednesday anyway.
The Packers announced signing kicker Lenny Krieg and long snapper Scott Daly to the practice squad.
The NFL transaction wire also included both transactions Wednesday evening.
As part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program, Krieg possesses a roster exemption. So, the Packers added Krieg essentially for free, as he won’t count toward the 16 maximum practice squad spots.
Krieg was previously with the Packers for about three days in late July. In the NFL, he’s also experienced short stints with the Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets.
The kicker was born in Berlin, Germany.
Daly is a former undrafted free agent from the 2018 class. Daly gained NFC North experience with the Detroit Lions from 2021-23 and Chicago Bears from 2024-25. He was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past offseason and training camp.
Packers Re-Sign Kicker Lenny Krieg to Practice Squad to Support Trey Smack
Krieg was one of a few kickers the Packers had on their training camp roster during the summer to push their rookie kicker. The good news is Smack appeared to put things together when the preseason arrived.
During three exhibition contests, Smack made all nine of his field goals and each of his seven extra points. Smack displayed a strong leg as well, going 3-for-3 from 50 yards or farther.
If Smack doesn’t start the regular season well, then things could change for the rookie kicker. That’s what Packers head coach Matt LaFleur indicated after the season preseason game even after things were improving for the rookie.
“I feel great, but same thing, you’ve got to do it again,” LaFleur said after Week 2 of the preseason. “That’s the thing about the National Football League, you’re only as good as your last performance.
“He’s put two pretty darn good performances back to back. The talent’s there, he’s just got to continue to be consistent.”
But it’s clear Smack will be Green Bay’s kicker to begin the season. The Packers have added Krieg as simple insurance with the extra advantage that he doesn’t even cost a roster spot.
Packers Add Long Snapper to Practice Squad
The Packers added a second specialist to their practice squad Wednesday in Daly.
Since debuting with the Lions in 2021, Daly has played in 76 games, all of which have come in the NFC North with the Lions and Bears.
Veteran Matt Orzech will be Green Bay’s long snapper to begin the 2026 regular season. He’s appeared in 51 straight regular season games for the Packers since the start of the 2023 campaign.
The Packers will open the regular season on the road against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, September 13.
Packers Bring Back Specialist Despite Trey Smack Set to Make NFL Debut