The Green Bay Packers are set to open training camp in about a week. This is the next in a series of articles previewing the Packers position by position, analyzing the talent on the roster and discussing key questions that are facing the team as they begin preparation for the 2026 season. Today we will examine the special teams. We will look at another position each day until the start of training camp. To read our quarterbacks analysis, click here, for defensive tackles, click here, for running backs, click here, click here for linebackers, here, here for tight ends, here for edge rushers, HERE for offensive line and here for the secondary. These are three big questions facing the Green Bay Packers special teams entering training camp in 2026:

The Projected Candidates: Starters: Trey Smack, Daniel Whelan, Matt Orzech, Skyy Moore Backups: Fighting for Roster Spots: Lucas Havrisik

Three Big Questions Facing the Packers Special Teams, Number One: Who Will Win the Kicking Battle?

The Packers traded up in the sixth round of this year’s draft to select Trey Smack out of Florida. Scouts regarded Smack as the best kicker available in this year’s draft. He possesses a very strong leg and made 10-of-13 field goals from 50 yards out or more during his collegiate career.

Unfortunately, Smack struggled at OTAs and in mandatory minicamp. It’s obviously far too soon to panic, but the team clearly wants to see him be more consistent once training camp gets underway. Smack also needs to adjust to kicking in the cold and windy conditions of Lambeau Field in the second half of the season after kicking in the warm Florida climate in college.

Lucas Havrisik will compete with Smack for the job. He stepped in and replaced the now departed Brandon McManus when McManus missed time due to injury midseason. Havrisik set a new Packers record by kicking a 61-yard field goal last year against the Cardinals. He did miss two extra points in three games, so his consistency is a concern as well.

Clearly, the team prefers Smack win the job and if the competition is close, the rookie will get the nod.

Number Two: Who Wins the Return Job?

GM Brian Gutekunst signed wide receiver Skyy Moore as a free agent this offseason. Moore was brought in primarily for his ability to return kickoffs and punts.

Last season, the former Western Michigan star averaged a healthy 11.6 yards per punt return and 27.5 yards per kick return with San Francisco. He may not help much as a wide receiver, but Moore gives the Packers a return specialist who is both reliable and dangerous.

The Packers still have Savion Williams on the roster who returned kickoffs last year. Keisean Nixon earned All Pro honors twice as a return specialist but no longer wishes to return kicks so he can concentrate on playing cornerback. He’s a better kick returner than a cornerback.

Jayden Reed can still return punts, but the Packers would prefer he concentrate on playing receiver. Romeo Doubs was mediocre at best as a punt returner last season, but he departed via free agency. Matthew Golden didn’t seem comfortable as a punt returner and the Packers don’t want him to risk injury doing that again this season.

Three Big Questions Facing the Packers Special Teams, Number Three: What Impact Will Cam Achord Have?

Cam Achord takes over as special teams coordinator for Rich Bisaccia. Bisaccia was popular with his players, but he didn’t get consistent results on special teams.

The Packers special teams continued to suffer breakdowns that cost them games over the past few seasons. The team endured inconsistent blocking, untimely penalties, mental mistakes and breakdowns on kick and punt return coverage. That cost the team field position on both offense and defense.

Can Achord improve the special teams units and at least get them to reduce mistakes and be at least in the middle of the league in both returning and covering kicks and punts?

The Packers have invested more on special teams with players like Nick Niemann, Isaiah McDuffie, and Kristian Welch are on the training camp roster primarily for their special teams prowess. Finding the right players for special teams will be a big key when determining who will earn the final roster spots this season.

 

 

 

 

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