Mason Crosby has won the kicking competition in Green Bay.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Packers released kicker Sam Ficken on Saturday, clearing the way for Crosby to begin his 13th season as the team’s kicker.
The Packers originally claimed Ficken off of waivers from the Seattle Seahawks in May, setting up the competition between him and Crosby this summer. Although Crosby missed time to start training camp with a calf injury, Ficken wasn’t able to pass the veteran as the Packers’ top option at kicker.
Ficken, 26, made one field goal from 41 yards and all five extra points during the preseason. He is 3-for-6 on field goals in his regular season NFL career.
The Packers play in Chicago on Thursday night. It’s possible the Bears could claim Ficken to be their kicker ahead of the season opener.
Crosby, who turns 35 in September, made 30 of 37 field goals during the 2018 season, but his misses came at crucial times. His cap hit is $4.85 million in 2019, the final year of his contract.
