The sample size isn’t necessarily significant yet, but the incumbent kicker and the veteran challenger look to be ahead of the rookie through five training camp practices for the Green Bay Packers.
James Turner, the rookie out of Michigan, got another turn during the Packers’ fifth practice on Saturday. He connected on 5-of-7 kicks, including back-to-back makes over 45 yards to finish the practice, per Bill Huber of SI. His misses came from 47 yards and 49 yards.
Overall, Turner is 13-of-19 on kicks — or 68.4 percent — to start training camp. The rookie must find some consistency* in the coming days or the Packers could decide to trim the kicking competition to two.
(* Actually, consistency might not be the right word. In a way, Turner has been remarkably consistent. He’s made 2-of-3 kicks during almost every one of his live kicking sessions. But 2-of-3 isn’t good enough at this level.)
Anders Carlson, now in Year 2 after an up-and-down rookie season with the Packers, made his first 11 kicks of training camp. His lone miss went off the upright from 50 yards out during Friday’s practice. Overall, he’s 11-for-12, including a 6-for-6 start in wet, rainy conditions on Wednesday.
“Carlson has been solid,” Packers Wire contributor Paul Bretl said. “Makes seem pretty pure down the middle. More power than the other two.”
Don’t forget about Greg Joseph, who was the Minnesota Vikings kicker during each of the last three seasons. After going 6-for-6 on Friday, Joseph is now tied with Carlson at 11-for-12 through five practices.
At some point, it won’t make sense for the Packers to roster three kickers. It’ll be tough to get enough live opportunities for all three, and the Packers will want to see enough competition during preseason games.
“Turner a distant third in this competition,” Bretl said.
Can Turner turn things around, or will strong starts from Carlson and Joseph eventually create a two-kicker battle?
Packers kicking competition tracker
Anders Carlson: 11-for-12 (91.7%)
Greg Joseph: 11-for-12 (91.7%)
James Turner: 13-for-19 (68.4%)