Following a disappointing preseason, the Green Bay Packers made a surprising move by releasing second-year kicker Anders Carlson. Carlson had been competing intensely with veteran Greg Joseph during training camp.
In the end, though, neither kicker secured the spot, as the Packers opted for a different option, choosing Brayden Narveson instead.
Carlson, now 26, soon found a new chance, signing with the San Francisco 49ers last month. The 49ers, facing a shortage of healthy kickers after Jake Moody and Matthew Wright sustained injuries, were in urgent need of reinforcements.
Carlson was elevated twice from the 49ers’ practice squad, playing in Weeks 7 and 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys. In these appearances, he performed impressively, hitting 5-for-5 on field goals and 3-for-4 on extra points—a significant improvement from his preseason struggles with the Packers.
However, with Moody nearing a return from injury, Carlson will need to seek another opportunity.
Packers News: Anders Carlson Kicked to Curb by 49ers
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that the 49ers have released former Green Bay kicker Anders Carlson from their practice squad, filling his spot with veteran safety Tashaun Gibson.
Despite the release, Carlson should have a good chance of finding another team soon, as he performed well in his two games with the 49ers. While Carlson struggled with longer kicks as a rookie in Green Bay, making just 7 of 13 attempts from beyond 40 yards, he showed improvement in San Francisco, hitting 4-for-4 from that range. Although it didn’t work out with the Packers, Carlson’s potential remains promising.
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