The Green Bay Packers added some protection on special teams by signing a rookie kicker to the practice squad.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst announced the signing of JJ Molson to the practice squad on Tuesday.
Molson, a rookie from UCLA, replaces center Anthony Fabiano, who was released from the practice squad.
Molson previously spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers this year. At UCLA, Molson made 51 of 74 field goals (68.9 percent) over four seasons. He hit a field goal of at least 45 yards during each of his four seasons but was just 1-of-6 on field goals of 50 or more yards. He also connected on 151 extra points, including 90 straight to finish his collegiate career. On 266 kickoffs, Molson created 145 touchbacks.
Adding Molson to the practice squad provides the Packers with valuable insurance should anything happen to veteran kicker Mason Crosby. The Packers had previously been working out kickers and punters each week to have an option ready to go should Crosby or punter JK Scott have an injury or go on the COVID-19 reserve list unexpectedly.