Packers subtly reveal Anders Carlson's fate after notable post-draft move
The Green Bay Packers have learned their lesson about not giving kicker Anders Carlson enough competition at training camp.
Carlson had no serious challengers for the job last summer, and the Packers paid the price, with the rookie missing 13 kicks, including a season-shattering miss in the playoffs against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Packers signed Jack Podlesny just days after their playoff exit, which they followed by bringing in veteran Greg Joseph in free agency. It won't be surprising if Green Bay adds another kicker between now and training camp, especially if UFL standout Jake Bates becomes available.
Carlson still has a shot to make the roster, but have the Packers subtly revealed their plans?
Seventh-round draft choice Michael Pratt will wear the No. 17 jersey in Green Bay, which is also Carlson's number.
Green Bay Packers QB Michael Pratt is wearing number 17. Currently shared with Anders Carlson. #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/jomLQBF49Y
— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 1, 2024
Packers hand seventh-round pick Anders Carlson's number
At this stage of the year, it's common for two players on the roster bubble to share a jersey number. However, it would've been easy to avoid a clash with Carlson's No. 17 if they had wanted to.
Pratt was the Packers' penultimate pick on Day 3. He has a good chance to overtake Sean Clifford as Jordan Love's backup quarterback, and the hope is Green Bay can develop him and eventually trade him to a team searching for a starter. That's the upside of selecting Pratt.
The Packers now have two players wearing No. 17, and there's a good chance Pratt will be part of the final 53-man roster in August. Even if he doesn't immediately win the backup job, Green Bay will likely want to keep him around to prevent losing him on waivers.
Pratt needs time to develop but has the potential to eventually compete for a starting job somewhere in the league, having thrown for 90 touchdowns and 26 interceptions in four seasons at Tulane.
While either player could change from No. 17, the fact the Packers even allowed Pratt to have that number shows Carlson's roster status is up in the air.
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