The Green Bay Packers' offensive line could be less than full strength for their Thursday night game against the Washington Commanders. Both starting right tackle Zach Tom and left guard Aaron Banks sustained injuries during the Packers' 27-13 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur said on Tuesday that neither injury appears to be long-term, but their availability for Thursday remains uncertain. Tom is dealing with an oblique injury, while Banks has ankle and groin issues. According to the Packers' injury report, neither player would have participated in practice on Tuesday if the team had held one. The Packers only held a walkthrough on Tuesday. LaFleur stated that the team will give them "all the way up to game time to see where they're at".
If Tom is unable to play, Darian Kinnard is likely to step in at right tackle. Kinnard was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles less than two weeks ago in exchange for a seventh-round pick. He played 15 snaps in Sunday's game after Tom's injury. If Banks is unable to play, the Packers could rotate Sean Rhyan and Jordan Morgan at the guard positions. Morgan, the team's first-round pick in 2024, is a versatile player who can play multiple positions on the offensive line.
Despite the uncertainty, quarterback Jordan Love expressed confidence in the team's depth. "Obviously depending on what happens on Thursday, we may have some guys out there who haven't been out there, so it's one of those things where you've just got to adjust on the fly," Love said on Tuesday. "We've got to get those guys as many reps in these walkthroughs and things like that – hearing the calls, knowing the calls. But these guys are all pros. I've got confidence in them that they'll be able to go out there and do their job and execute at a high level. And it's just a matter of getting your mind ready for whatever may happen".
The Packers' offensive line performed well in their season opener against the Lions, not allowing any sacks. Love was hit just twice on his 23 drop-backs and scrambled only once, posting a 128.6 passer rating. However, the Commanders present a different challenge, coming off a game in which they recorded eight quarterback hits and two sacks against Giants quarterback Russell Wilson.
The Packers will need their offensive line to be at its best to protect Love and establish the running game. Even with potential injuries, the Packers seek to maintain their standard of pass protection. According to Love, the superb pass protection against the Lions was a collective effort. Tight ends chipped on the edges, and running backs Josh Jacobs and Chris Brooks were effective at picking up blitzes. LaFleur called their effort and execution the best he's seen during his tenure. Those blocks helped the offense convert four straight third downs on the opening drive.
