Packers get two critical developments that might completely change what they look like in Week 3 test vs. Browns
Zach Tom and Aaron Banks are getting better.
The Green Bay Packers had to find a way along the offensive line last Thursday to beat the Washington Commanders, but things are starting to get back into place. On Wednesday, right tackle Zach Tom and left guard Aaron Banks will return to practice.
During his pre-practice press conference, head coach Matt LaFleur said that both starting offensive linemen will return to practice on a limited basis, which increases their chances of playing against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. After practice, Banks revealed that he will play.
Considering it’s a game against Myles Garrett and a potent defensive front, the timing for the potential return of Tom and Banks couldn’t be better.
Sequence of offensive line injuries
Zach Tom suffered an oblique injury against the Detroit Lions in Week 1. This forced the Packers to rotate second-round rookie Anthony Belton and recently-acquired Darian Kinnard at right tackle against the Commanders.
Meanwhile, Banks is handling ankle and groin injuries. Last year’s first-round pick Jordan Morgan started at left guard.
It’s still early to tell if both Tom and Banks will be available on Sunday, but the fact that they will be back at practice four days ahead of the game is certainly a positive indication.
Investment
General manager Brian Gutekunst hasn’t shied away from spending significant resources on the offensive line, and these two players are the perfect example for it.
Zach Tom, a fourth-round pick in 2022, signed a four-year, $88 million contract extension this offseason, keeping him in Green Bay through 2029.
Moreover, the Packers signed Aaron Banks in free agency to a four-year, $77 million deal—he’s the seventh highest paid guard in the NFL.
Players to keep an eye on
Besides Tom and Banks, two other players on the active 53-man roster missed the Commanders game due to injury. Safety Zayne Anderson is handling a knee issue, while cornerback Bo Melton has a shoulder problem. However, both practiced at some capacity on Wednesday. The only absence was wide receiver Jayden Reed, who will miss six to eight weeks with a broken collarbone.
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