Whoever gets the call will be looked upon to bring a spark to the Packers' return units. Entering Sunday's game against Los Angeles, Green Bay ranks 30th in kickoff return (17.0-yard avg.) and last in punt return (minus-1.7).

The Packers started instituting changes last week when second-year cornerback Chandon Sullivan handled kickoff returns, which marked the first time Sullivan had been utilized in that capacity since his sophomore year at Georgia State.

Shepherd only returned two punts through the first six games, muffing one and fair-catching 11 others. The Packers' special-teams units have been up and down in recent years but that has been one area the team has historically fared well.

If his number is called, Smith says he has no problem fielding punts. Despite being on the practice squad the past two weeks, he's remained in that rotation.

"I've been comfortable at it," Smith said. "It's something I did in college, high school and throughout my career, so if I so happen to be back there, then that'll be a good thing and I hope to provide the spark special teams needs and wants."

Smith has noticed how opposing teams have been hitting kickoffs short over the past couple games. It's in stark contrast to his experience in Kansas City when the opposition rarely kicked to him and Hill willingly.

Smith puts Hill in the same category as Devin Hester and Cordarrelle Patterson as returners who have had a substantial effect on his game.

"I soaked in as much as I could from Tyreek," Smith said. "He made All-Pro as a returner during his rookie year. The way he sets it up, hits it, sets his blocks up, trusting his teammates."

Smith says success on returns is predicated on confidence – in both your blockers on the edges and your ability to catch and make the first defender miss.

Mennenga understands what the numbers are and expects his units to be better. He sees progress in the core the Packers are developing on special teams and believes the group is only one or two big returns away from changing the narrative of its season.