Packers Kicker Emergency: Brandon McManus Injury Forces Lucas Havrisik Into High-Stakes Giants Showdown

GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Packers shuffled their special-teams deck again Sunday, tabbing Lucas Havrisik as the starting kicker for the Week 11 road clash with the New York Giants after Brandon McManus was listed as doubtful with a lingering quad/groin injury. Havrisik, 26, remains perfect since signing with Green Bay in mid-October: 4-for-4 on field goals and 6-for-6 on extra points across two appearances, including three makes from 40-plus yards and a franchise-record 61-yard bomb just before halftime against Arizona. The former Arizona Wildcat spent 2023 with the Rams and was out of football in 2024 before the Packers’ call revived his NFL career. McManus, who inked a three-year extension last spring after stabilizing the position in 2024, has struggled mightily in 2025. He’s 11-for-17 on field goals (64.7 percent) and 16-for-17 on PATs, with six total misses across seven games. Four of those misfires came from 40 yards or longer, magnifying concerns about the veteran’s leg strength and accuracy amid the quad setback. The coaching staff kept Havrisik on the 53-man roster precisely because McManus’ health has been unpredictable. Special-teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia praised Havrisik’s “clean operation” in practice this week and noted the young kicker’s booming range could be an asset at breezy MetLife Stadium. Quarterback Jordan Love’s status (shoulder) adds urgency for every red-zone trip to yield points, making reliable kicking paramount. For fantasy managers and bettors, watch Havrisik’s performance closely: another flawless outing could cement him as Green Bay’s full-time kicker and a waiver-wire gem as the playoff push intensifies. Meanwhile, McManus must heal and regain form quickly; his contract contains an out after 2026, but continued inconsistency could force a decision sooner. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET. If Havrisik’s hot streak continues, the phrase “Packers kicker” may soon be synonymous with a fresh new leg in Titletown.