Forget the usual Week 1 jitters, Packers fans got a full-blown offensive line scare this week, but Zach Bako-Bewele isn’t having any of it. The starting right tackle told The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman he “definitely” plans to play against the Minnesota Vikings, a massive sigh of relief given how many names are on that injury report right now. Seriously, how clutch is that for a guy coming off a knee issue?
The O-Line’s Battered Battlefront
Wednesday’s practice looked more like a MASH unit for Green Bay’s big fellas. We’re talking about limited participation for LT Jordan Morgan (new knee injury, yikes!), LG Aaron Banks (knee, an issue he’s been dealing with since training camp), and our man Bako-Bewele (also knee, also from camp). Head coach Matt LaFleur said both Banks and Bako-Bewele were planned to be limited, which is cool, but Banks’ health is key. If he’s good to go, he’s the starting left guard, no question. If he can’t suit up, then rookie fifth-round pick Jager Burton, who was already rotating with Banks in camp, steps into that starting spot. Beyond the line, DL Devonte Wyatt (ankle), DL Javon Hargrave (knee), and ED Barryn Sorrell (new foot injury) were also limited, adding more question marks. That’s a lot of key guys banged up right before you face a division rival.
Easy Inactives and a Shady Swap
Meanwhile, the non-participants list wasn’t super long, which is a small win, but still featured some important names. Defensive lineman Warren Brinson (calf), whose injury started before Week 2 of the preseason, and linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper (Achilles), which appears to be a brand new issue, both sat out. Honestly, if Brinson and Hopper can’t play this week, it makes the team’s inactive decisions pretty straightforward. They’d be two of the five players scratched for game day, alongside two offensive linemen and the fourth tight end. But here’s where it gets wild: Green Bay straight up dropped safety Murvion Kenion III, an undrafted free agent who’d been with them all spring and summer, to sign safety Kahlef Hailassie. And guess where Hailassie was just released from? The Vikings’ practice squad yesterday! Talk about some next-level gamesmanship heading into Week 1. Hailassie’s got some experience too, playing 10 NFL games, all with the Browns between 2023 and 2024, logging defensive and special teams snaps. They absolutely picked his brain about Minnesota, you know it. Oh, and running back Pierre Strong Jr. was spotted with the rehab group, so that’s another name to keep an eye on.
So, with the Vikings game looming, all eyes are gonna be glued to that offensive line. Will Bako-Bewele’s promise hold true? Can Banks actually be healthy enough to lock down that left guard spot? This Week 1 opener against Minnesota isn’t just another game, it’s a crucial division showdown, and every single healthy body on that roster is going to matter. Let’s see if those questionable guys can power through!
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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