Packers Kicker's Woes Sink Team to 4-3

The Green Bay Packers' struggles continued as they fell to a 4-3 record following a 20-17 loss against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, October 26, 2026. The game was decided by a 22-yard field goal from Detroit's Jake Bates as time expired. This marks a significant blow for Green Bay, placing them last in the NFC North.

The Packers' kicker, rookie Trey Smack, had a particularly rough outing. He missed a 26-yard field goal early in the game and later a 35-yard attempt, which was technically blocked but suffered from a lack of elevation. Smack's performance has been a liability, with a 77.4% success rate on all kicks this season, the worst in the NFL.

Offensive line injuries also plagued the Packers, with starting center Sean Rhyan and backup Jacob Monk exiting early due to ankle and quadriceps injuries, respectively. In a positive note, running back Josh Jacobs returned from the commissioner's exempt list and contributed with a 25-yard touchdown reception. However, the team's persistent penalty issues and an anemic rushing game remain significant concerns.

Despite the loss, some players showed promise. Linebacker Isaiah McDuffie was instrumental in key defensive plays, forcing a fumble and recovering a fumble that led to a Packers touchdown. Seventh-round pick John Williams also stepped up, playing center after injuries to Rhyan and Monk, performing admirably despite never having played a snap from scrimmage before Sunday.