Offensive line woes continue for the Packers, yet there’s hope things could turn around in time for the Bengals matchup
It’s a stressful situation for Matt LaFleur and his coaching staff.
The Green Bay Packers can’t seem to catch a break with offensive line injuries. And now, the team is handling multiple concerns at once with the position group ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals game on Sunday, coming off a bye.
Left tackle Rasheed Walker (quad), left guard Aaron Banks (groin), and right tackle Zach Tom (oblique) are all listed as questionable to play. Meanwhile, backup tackle Anthony Belton has been ruled out with an ankle injury.
Tom and Banks practiced on a limited basis throughout the week, so there’s more hope around their availability. The right tackle even indicated in the locker room that he has a good chance of playing.
Meanwhile, Walker, who got injured during Wednesday’s practice, didn’t participate in the activities on Thursday, but returned on Friday.
Depth issues
It’s an uncomfortable situation because, outside of these four players, the Packers only have five offensive linemen left on the 53-man roster: Jordan Morgan, Donovan Jennings, Elgton Jenkins, Sean Rhyan, and Darian Kinnard. Veteran Lecitus Smith and rookie Dalton Cooper are on the practice squad — the Packers could elevate one or both for gameday to help alleviate the depth concerns.
Ideally, though, at least two of the three questionable players have a realistic shot at being on the field.
More injury report notes
> Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt has been ruled out with a knee injury he suffered against the Dallas Cowboys. Head coach Matt LaFleur had said Wyatt is considered “week to week,” so the absence is not a surprise.
> Cornerback Nate Hobbs (concussion) and kicker Brandon McManus (quad) are listed as questionable to play.
> Wide receiver Christian Watson and interior offensive lineman Jacob Monk are on their 21-day practice window. Watson will not be activated, though, but Monk has a shot at playing and is listed as questionable. The Packers would have to activate him on Saturday.
> Edge Kingsley Enagbare (ankle), tight end Tucker Kraft (elbow), quarterback Jordan Love (left thumb/ankle), offensive lineman Jordan Morgan (knee), and wide receiver Savion Williams (groin) are all off the injury report and good to play.
> On the other side, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase will be questionable for Sunday after missing Friday’s practice with an illness. Guard Dylan Fairchild (knee) will be questionable, while rookie edge defender Shemar Stewart (ankle) will be doubtful.
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Green Bay and Cincinnati play on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
