Packers Kicker Makes Unexpected Week 6 Announcement After Injury Concern
Green Bay Packers kicker, Brandon McManus, missing a 48 yard field goal against the Washington Commanders in the second quarter of week 2 on September 11, 2025.
The Green Bay Packers‘ issues extend beyond it, but special teams has once again been the the Packers’ fatal flaw, just over a month into the 2025 season.
Green Bay once again has one of the NFL’s most misfiring special teams units, from having blocked kicks in successive games against the Browns and the Cowboys prior to the week 5 bye, to consistently allowing big plays on kick and punt returns.
It looked like the unit could go from bad to worse this Sunday, when head coach, Matt LaFleur announced that there was “major concern” over whether Super Bowl-winning kicker, Brandon McManus, would be able to play in week 6.
Brandon McManus Believes He Could Play On Sunday
However, speaking later on Thursday, spoke to the media and stated that he expects to suit up this weekend, as the Packers attempt to extend their record to 3-1-1 as they host the Cincinnati Bengals at Lambeau.
Brandon McManus tells us he plans to kick on Sunday. Asked about LaFleur saying his right quad injury is a “major concern,” McManus said he didn’t talk to LaFleur about his injury and that LaFleur has his own thesaurus.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) October 9, 2025
“Brandon McManus tells us he plans to kick on Sunday.” The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman reported on Thursday. “Asked about LaFleur saying his right quad injury is a “major concern,” McManus said he didn’t talk to LaFleur about his injury and that LaFleur has his own thesaurus.”
Another report, this time from ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, has McManus detail how his current injury is similar to one he has pushed through in the past, and managed to play effectively that weekend, giving him the confidence to say that he will play on Sunday.
Packers kicker Brandon McManus says he plans to play on Sunday vs. Cincy even after his quad injury yesterday in practice.
He had a similar situation earlier in his career and played that Sunday. pic.twitter.com/0Y9CrrEdjn
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) October 9, 2025
“Like I said, it’s very similar to my injury that i had in ’22. I had a pretty good game – I had two 50 yarders and a 40 yarder in that game. So like I said, I plan on playing.” McManus reiterated, via Demovsky.
Is McManus Sure To Suit Up For The Packers On The Weekend?
It is never fully apparent the extent to which the information dolled out by players themselves v.s. the coaches has the upper hand.
Ultimately, Green Bay’s medical staff will likely have the final say as to whether the former Denver Bronco plays on Sunday, but it is interesting that there is such a strong dichotomy between the opinions and attitudes of LaFleur and McManus on whether the 34-year old will play on Sunday.
“That’s a major concern right now, so we’ll see how he’s doing today and tomorrow,” LaFleur said before Thursday’s practice earlier in the day. “We’ll have a plan ready to go.”
There is hardly anything definite either way, but at this point, nothing will be confirmed until at the earliest on Saturday, as the Packers ensure that they have at least one capable name ready to go for Sunday.
Ben Johnson Admits Jayden Daniels Inspires ‘Fear’ Ahead of Commanders Game
The Chicago Bears mission Week 6 — and they’ve got no choice but to accept it — is to contain reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels.
Last October, the Commanders quarterback beat the Bears with a last-second 52-yard heave to Noah Brown, capping a night in which he went 21-of-38 for 326 yards and a touchdown, plus 52 rushing yards. The “Fail Mary,” as it became known, completely changed Chicago’s season, and now, they have an opportunity to get Washington back — but it won’t be easy.
A year later, Daniels looks just as dangerous, and Washington’s offense is humming. After missing time early, Daniels returned in Week 5 to throw for 231 yards in a 27–10 win over the L.A. Chargers, while the ground game is rolling behind rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
Now under new head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears are looking to flip the script, but Johnson know his team will have its hands full with Daniels.
Bears HC Ben Johnson Comments on Washington QB Jayden Daniels: ‘He’s Dangerous’
GettyBears coach Ben Johnson said some very good things about Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.
“He’s dangerous,” Johnson said about Daniels heading into the matchup. “I think that’s a big reason why their running game is what it is. He strikes a lot of fear in opposing coaches, because you look at him, you’ve got to account for him. Not just as an accurate passer, not just as a scrambler, but the quarterback driven run game that they do a lot of. He’s fast, slippery — it’s going to take all 11 guys playing disciplined football to make sure we contain their attack.”
Chicago is allowing 29.3 points per game through four games (that’s 28th in the NFL) but they’re ranked 31st against the run, allowing 164.5 yards per game. With Daniels and the Commanders ranked first in rushing (156.4 yards per game), the Bears could be in big trouble — but Johnson’s not overlooking Daniels’ arm, either.
“Jayden’s an extremely accurate thrower of the football,” the Bears coach said. “Something that I think is overlooked when you look at him because he is so dynamic with his legs, and he hurts teams so much on the ground as well.”
Return of DB Kyler Gordon Should Give Bears Defense Huge Boost
The return of Kyler Gordon should be a huge help for the Bears. Chicago’s top nickel corner is expected back Monday night, and his presence alone should give Daniels something extra to worry about.
Gordon gives defensive coordinator Dennis Allen more flexibility in how he’ll attack Washington’s offense. Allen’s scheme leans on disguised coverages and simulated pressures, and Gordon’s instincts and range will allow Chicago to mix its looks without exposing soft spots underneath. He’s also heck of a weapon as a blitzer off the edge.
“Hopefully it allows us to unlock a few things on defense,” Johnson said about Gordon’s return.
“He’s one of our bigger playmakers. I’ve got a lot of experience being on the opposing sideline from him and ton of respect of how he can impact the game. I think there’s only a handful of nickels in this league that you really have to account for both as a coverage player, but also a guy that likes to be nosy on the run game and could be part of the solution for us here in terms of shoring up our run game as well.”
It’s clear Johnson and company revere Daniels’ game a great deal. We’ll see if they can do enough to beat him this time around.
