Packers execute creative move trying to solve issues at kicker

The Green Bay Packers made an interesting and smart move on Wednesday, another step trying to solve their issues at the kicker position.

The team announced they have released Nigerian player Kenneth Odumegwu, who was a part of the International Pathway Program. The move created the flexibility for Green Bay to designate kicker Alex Hale as a member of the IPP.

Therefore, Hale does not count against the 90-man roster limit. If he's cut before the initial 53-man roster is built on Tuesday, Hale goes on waivers. If he clears it, the kicker reverts back to the Packers' practice squad without counting towards the 16-man PS limit.

This means the Packers can keep Anders Carlson, Greg Joseph, or whoever they acquire in the next few days on the 53-man roster, plus Hale as a developmental kicker on the PS.

As a part of the International Pathway Program exception, Alex Hale can be elevated for gameday three times during the season or be promoted to the 53-man roster if Green Bay wants to. The NFL recently amended the IPP rules to create more flexibility for teams and players. Overall, it's a smart short- and long-term move.

Hale has a much higher chance of making a long-term impact than Odumegwu had. Born in Australia, he moved to the United States after graduating from high school in order to play football. He spent six seasons at the Oklahoma State University and went undrafted in this year's process.

Meanwhile, Odumegwu, born in Nigeria, has never played organized football in his life — just the preseaon games he's played for the Packers during his two training camps in Green Bay.

Alex Hale had been signed by the Packers a few weeks ago as part of a three-way competition at kicker. Neither of the Packers' options has had definitive success throughout training camp.