The Green Bay Packers signed guard Kevin Zeitler, a former Wisconsin Badger and legit Pro Bowler, to a one-year, $4 million contract after their rough start to the 2026 season. The hope was clear: protect quarterback Jordan Love better. While the QB protection has reportedly improved, the run game is still stuck, and here is the kicker, Zeitler has not played a single offensive snap for the team. Not one!
The Sunday Shock and LaFleur’s Initial Call
Things got even wilder after Sunday’s game. The Packers unexpectedly slid Laken Tomlinson over to right guard, a spot Tomlinson hasn’t seen in about a decade. Seriously, a decade! Everyone was wondering what was going on, and Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur spilled some of the beans. He said the team just didn’t feel like benching Tomlinson, but they absolutely wanted to give Aaron Banks a shot at left guard. That, according to LaFleur, was why Zeitler was riding the pine. It was a head-scratcher, no doubt. You bring in a guy for $4 million, the line needs help, and he’s not playing while other guys are getting moved around?
Stenavich Digs Deeper: Injury, Tomlinson’s Rise, and Zeitler’s Readiness
Then, on Tuesday, Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich went a little more in-depth on the Zeitler situation. He explained that when Zeitler was first signed, he was actually battling a knee injury. It was a “question mark” from the start, and it took him a few weeks to get back to game shape. But here’s the twist: while Zeitler was getting right, Laken Tomlinson absolutely stepped up. Stenavich gave Tomlinson huge props, saying he “really did a tremendous job” helping the offensive line become productive. The OC admitted he thought Zeitler would come in and play right away, but Tomlinson’s performance changed everything. So, the “Zeitler opening” ended up going to Tomlinson, at least “for now.” The good news? Stenavich confirmed Zeitler is ready to roll. He wouldn’t “hesitate to put him in a game.” Still, a Pro Bowler on a $4 million deal has only seen 15 snaps all season, and those were exclusively on the field goal protection unit.
The Green Bay O-Line Jigsaw Puzzle
The complexity doesn’t stop there. The Packers’ preferred offensive line moving forward, from left to right, is apparently Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan, Laken Tomlinson, and Anthony Belton. But even that is a fluid situation. Zach Bako-Bewele, the team’s starting right tackle, is on injured reserve with a full patellar tendon tear. Plus, Sean Rhyan is currently dealing with an injury, which has pushed John Williams into the center spot. And just to add to the chaos, the second-team option at center, Jacob Monk, is also on injured reserve. Beyond those guys, the Packers have Travis Glover, Jager Burton, Donovan Jennings, and Mekhi Becton Sr. on the roster. Glover even missed last week with an injury! Glover, Burton, and Jennings have all gotten offensive snaps this season, while Becton just got the call-up from the practice squad.
It’s a full-on O-line puzzle in Green Bay right now. With injuries piling up and Tomlinson stepping up big time, a $4 million Pro Bowler is ready to play but still waiting for his first actual offensive snap. It’s a wild card, and you have to wonder how long they can keep such a valuable piece on the sidelines.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Acme Packing Company.
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