Packers Release Kicker Alex Hale After Eye Injury

The Green Bay Packers released kicker Alex Hale due to a freak eye injury sustained while working out, which will sideline him for several weeks. Veteran Brandon McManus remains the team's starting kicker, but the Packers plan to sign another kicker to ease the workload on McManus during training camp and preseason. Hale, an Australian player signed through the NFL's International Player Pathway Program, spent the 2024 season on the Packers' practice squad and showed promise with a strong college kicking record at Oklahoma State. Despite his injury and release, there is a possibility that Hale could rejoin the team if the international roster spot remains open and if the new kicker signing does not perform well. The Packers acted swiftly to ensure they have enough kicking depth as training camp begins. McManus, who led the NFL in field-goal percentage last season, is currently the only kicker on the active roster.