Packers claim former Michigan kicker James Turner off waivers from Detroit Lions
The Green Bay Packers have claimed James Turner off waivers from the Detroit Lions and now have a three-man duel for the kicking job.
Green Bay, Wisconsin (AP) The Green Bay Packers grabbed James Turner off waivers from the Detroit Lions, resulting in a three-man kicking competition. Turner kicked for Michigan’s national title team last year after four years at Louisville. Green Bay signed Turner on Thursday, a day after releasing former Georgia kicker Jack Podlesny.
The remaining two kickers on the Packers’ roster are incumbent Anders Carlson and former Minnesota Viking Greg Joseph.
Turner went 18 of 21 on field-goal attempts and 65 of 66 on extra points for Michigan last year. He had gone 47 of 59 on field goals and 124 of 126 on extra points in his four seasons at Louisville.
Turner was released on Tuesday after the Lions signed kicker Jake Bates, who earned all-United Football League accolades with the Michigan Panthers this season. Michael Badgley, the Lions’ experienced kicker, will also return.
Green Bay has been looking for competition for Carlson, a 2023 sixth-round draft pick from Auburn who went 27 of 33 on field-goal tries — including 7 of 13 from at least 40 yards — and 34 of 39 on extra points during his rookie season. Carlson went 2 for 3 on field goal attempts and 7 for 8 on extra points in two postseason games.
Carlson missed a 41-yard field goal in the fourth quarter of the Packers’ 24-21 NFC divisional playoff loss in San Francisco.
Leave a Reply