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By Anne Erickson
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Trey Smack gave the Green Bay Packers exactly what they needed from their rookie kicker in his first preseason appearance: points.
In fact, Smack accounted for all of the Packers' offense Thursday night, putting together the kind of performance that should quiet at least some of the questions surrounding him after a rocky start to training camp.
The rookie hasn't had the smoothest beginning since Green Bay traded up to select him in the 2026 NFL Draft. Smack struggled during some of his early practices and acknowledged that he was still getting comfortable kicking in the more complicated weather conditions Green Bay experiences.
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That made his performance in Pittsburgh even more enticing.
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Smack went out and delivered every time the Packers gave him the chance. The official numbers show Smack going 3-for-3 on field goals, but that's not quite the whole story. He actually made all four kicks he attempted. One was wiped away because Pittsburgh was flagged for roughing the snapper, meaning Smack technically finished the night with three makes in the box score.
His biggest kick was also the most impressive. Just before halftime, Smack stepped up and drilled a 57-yard field goal. That's the kind of kick that gets noticed, particularly from a rookie who came into camp with plenty to prove. He also connected from 37 and 38 yards, and none of his attempts looked particularly uncomfortable.
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For a player who's currently converting around 70% of his kicks in training camp, this was a welcome change.
Of course, one preseason game doesn't settle the kicking competition or guarantee Smack will suddenly become the dependable option Green Bay envisioned when it moved up for him. He'll need to show that this wasn't just one good night. But it's definitely a good sign.
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