Packers open door to offensive line changes ahead of Week 2 matchup against the Jets
The starting lineup didn’t work out against the Minnesota Vikings, and head coach Matt LaFleur admitted the possibility of making adjustments.
The Green Bay Packers are weighing offensive line adjustments after a 39-22 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in the regular season opener. Head coach Matt LaFleur addressed the media Monday and acknowledged that new faces could enter the starting lineup when the Packers host the New York Jets in Week 2. Green Bay’s interior offensive line struggled against Minnesota, and LaFleur’s comments suggest the coaching staff is far from settled on its combinations up front.
When asked about the potential for lineup changes along the offensive line, LaFleur did not rule anything out.
“Well, potentially, yeah,” LaFleur mentioned. “I think it’s a competitive situation. Certainly, whatever we do, we need to make sure that we find continuity as quickly as possible. And I think that’s part of the problem is we’ve had a lot of guys in and out of the lineup. And I’m not making excuses. It is what it is. You’ve got to find a way to get it done. But I do think the more guys play together, typically the better they play together.”
The guard situation
Against the Vikings, the Packers started Donovan Jennings at left guard and Jacob Monk at right guard. Banks was unavailable due to a knee injury, so Jennings slid into his spot. Monk starting at right guard was expected. Neither performed at a high level against Minnesota’s defensive front.
The decision to go with Jennings at left guard was notable because fifth-round rookie Jager Burton spent more time with the first-team offense at that position throughout training camp and the preseason. Additionally, Green Bay moved Anthony Belton to tackle on a full-time basis, removing him from the guard conversation entirely.
That combination of decisions left the Packers in a bind. They could have started Burton at left guard and Belton at right guard instead of the Jennings-Monk pairing. Whether that combination would have fared better is unknown, but LaFleur’s willingness to entertain changes suggests the coaching staff recognizes the current setup needs improvement.
Aaron Banks’ return timeline
The biggest variable remains veteran left guard Aaron Banks, who is still recovering from a knee injury that limited him throughout practice last week. LaFleur made it clear that Banks would reclaim his starting spot once healthy.
“I mean, here’s an experienced guy that the game is not too big for him. I’m not saying that about anybody else, but he’s got a lot of experience,” LaFleur added. “He’s been in those situations before. He’s gone against that defense. And so I think as far as the communication is concerned, the more guys you’ve had that have been in those situations, I think typically the guys respond a little bit better.”
The Packers started preparation for the Jets on Monday, but the first injury report of the week won’t arrive until Wednesday. That’s when a clearer picture of Banks’ availability for Sunday will emerge.
Regardless of Banks’ status, the Packers are dealing with a suboptimal situation along the offensive line. The problems surfaced immediately in Week 1 against a strong Vikings’ defense, and the talent deficit on the interior was difficult to ignore. Right now, Green Bay doesn’t appear to have a clear path to solving its protection issues, and the Jets’ defensive front will test whatever combination the coaching staff puts together on Sunday.
