Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby has had an uneven season this year. Crosby has missed eight field goals this year, the most in one season since the 2009 campaign. The lackluster performance of Crosby has led to some speculation that the team plans to replace him. Head coach Matt LaFleur reacted to such rumors on Tuesday.

That sounds like a firm endorsement from Matt LaFleur on Mason Crosby, who has missed five field goals in his last five games, as well as two potential game-winners earlier in the year.

On the miss by Crosby from 32 yards out this past Sunday in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings, LaFleur noted that the snap and hold may not have been sound, citing a need for the Packers to improve their entire operation when it comes to kicking field goals.

Are the Packers going to replace Mason Crosby? Absolutely not, says head coach Matt LaFleur. Hopefully, the strong endorsement will push Crosby to greater heights in what has been a struggle of a season.

However, the Packers' energy might be better spent evaluating how to improve their inconsistent defense, which had no answer for the Vikings offense. If the Packers aren't going to replace Crosby, then it would be in their best interest to redirect that energy on how to better stop opposing offenses.

That could be a bigger Achilles heel come playoff time than the state of Crosby and their kicking game.