Latest update makes the Packers’ biggest problem look even worse as concerns continue to mount early in the season
Green Bay has some big issues to solve.
If someone asks you to mention just one problem for the Green Bay Packers, there’s a good chance you will mention the offensive line—especially after how things went down against the Cleveland Browns last Sunday. Well, it seems like there are more and more reasons for concern, at least in the short term.
Several linemen are injured
Right tackle Zach Tom is not expected to play because he has an oblique injury—he tried to play through it against the Browns, but wasn’t ready.
Theoretically, Jordan Morgan could be the next in line to play at right tackle. However, left guard Aaron Banks didn’t practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to a groin injury. That problem forces Morgan to move inside to left guard.
The next one should be Anthony Belton. Not so fast, though. The second-round rookie is also injured and didn’t practice on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday with an ankle injury.
Possible solution
Without these three offensive line pieces, the Packers would likely start Darian Kinnard at right tackle against the Dallas Cowboys on ‘Sunday Night Football.’
Acquired by the Packers right before final roster cuts in late August, Kinnard is an experienced offensive lineman and has already played 36 snaps at right tackle for the Packers this season—15 against the Detroit Lions, 17 against the Washington Commanders, and four versus the Browns.
The o-line would have Rasheed Walker, Jordan Morgan, Elgton Jenkins, Sean Rhyan, and Darian Kinnard. It’s still a solid group despite all the issues—now, add to this list that Walker was limited with a quadricep injury.
Beyond these five players, the Packers only have two other offensive linemen on the active 53-man roster: Second-year guard Donovan Jennings and undrafted rookie tackle Brant Banks, who was promoted from the practice squad earlier this week. Sure, there’s still time for Aaron Banks and Anthony Belton, which could ease the situation.
Green Bay still has rookie tackle Dalton Cooper on the practice squad, in addition to veteran interior offensive lineman Lecitus Smith, re-signed on Wednesday to add more depth.
The list of injured offensive linemen include center Jacob Monk (injured reserve/designated for return), rookie guard John Williams (PUP), and tackle Travis Glover (season-ending injured reserve).
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