The Detroit Lions signed former Green Bay Packers kicker Greg Joseph to the team’s practice squad on Wednesday.
Joseph, who was the kicker of the Minnesota Vikings for the last three seasons, spent one day on the Packers’ initial 53-man roster before being replaced by Brayden Narveson, who was claimed off waivers from the Tennessee Titans following final cuts. Joseph competed with Anders Carlson, the incumbent, for the Packers’ kicking job to start 2024, but both struggled with consistency and ended up losing the job in Green Bay.
Oddly enough, the Lions had both Joseph and Carlson in for a workout on Tuesday. Detroit picked Joseph over Carlson for a spot on the practice squad.
Jake Bates, the Lions’ current kicker, made both of his field goals and extra point attempts during Week 1. It’s possible Joseph will be more of a mentor to Bates, a rookie who excelled in the UFL.
Speaking of rookies, Narveson made 3-of-4 field goals and both extra points in the opener for the Packers. He connected on three field goals under 40 yards and missed from 43 yards out. Narveson was one of just five kickers to miss a field goal attempt in Week 1.
Joseph made 24-of-30 field goals (80%) for the Vikings last season. His field goal percentage ranked 28th out of 33 qualifying kickers in 2023.