The Green Bay Packers have added another weapon to their roster ahead of their regular season finale against the Detroit Lions, this weekend.
However, it’s not quite the weapon most would think as the club signed kickoff specialist, Matt Ammendola to their practice squad on Tuesday afternoon.
Prior to the Packers’ 41-17 drubbing of the Minnesota Vikings, this past weekend, the club elevated practice squad kicker, Ramiz Ahmed to the active roster to handle kickoff duties. However, Ahmed would suffer a groin injury during warmups and didn’t dress for the game, handing off kickoff duties to longtime kicker, Mason Crosby. It appears as if the Packers are still keen on alleviating some pressure off of Crosby after the signing of Ammendola, who could very well be active on for Sunday night’s showdown at Lambeau Field.
The Oklahoma State product went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft before signing on with the New York Jets the following season. In 11 games with the Jets, Ammendola struggled mightily, making just 13 of his 19 field goal attempts (68.4%) but was praised for his power leg on kickoffs as he booted 27 of his 43 kickoffs for touchbacks.
Earlier this season, Ammendola appeared in four games, two with the Kansas City Chiefs and two with the Arizona Cardinals, specifically for kickoffs and crushed 12 of his 16 kickoffs for touchbacks.
The Packers host the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football in Lambeau Field, this weekend, with both teams needing a win to secure the final playoff berth in the NFC.
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