The Green Bay Packers just dropped their first depth chart of the 2026 regular season on Tuesday, and for fans watching closely, it’s not just a list, it’s a potential preview of early season headaches. While most of it lines up with what we saw in preseason, there are some immediate red flags popping up that could seriously mess with their Week 1 game against the Minnesota Vikings. We’re talking about crucial spots here, and the early health picture is already looking dicey.
Running Back Rollercoaster and Tight End Troubles
First up, the backfield situation is wild. Kaleb Johnson is listed as the third-string running back, even though he just joined the team a week ago. Call me crazy, but I’m telling you, Johnson is going to be the number two ball-carrier while Josh Jacobs is sidelined. Chris Brooks, the current second-stringer, is more of a blocking back than someone who carries the load. So, that depth chart spot for Johnson feels way too low, doesn’t it?
Then there’s Jonnu Smith, who signed with the Packers the same day Johnson got traded there. Smith is already listed as the second-string tight end behind Tucker Kraft. Now, Smith has history with coach Matt LaFleur from their Tennessee Titans days, but he literally wasn’t signed by anyone this offseason! Johnson at least went through Steelers training camp. It’s going to be super tough for Green Bay to keep four tight ends active on game days, especially since Smith and Josh Whyle are both primarily pass-catchers. Whyle has been in the program for two years, and if Smith is already ahead of him, Whyle’s time on the 53-man roster might be on thin ice. Mark Redman, who shares the third-string role with Whyle, is a blocking tight end, which is a much more valuable role than Whyle potentially backing up Smith. My gut says Whyle is probably inactive against the Vikings.
Offensive Line Health Sparks Major Concerns
Now, this is where it gets real. The Packers’ starting offensive line is listed as Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan, Jacob Monk, and Zach Bako-Bewele, from left to right. That’s the lineup, but the HUGE question marks are Aaron Banks and Zach Bako-Bewele. Banks is battling tendinitis in his knee, and Bako-Bewele is coming off a partially torn Patellar tendon. Can either of them play a full 60 minutes this week? That’s the million-dollar question. Rookie fifth-round pick Jager Burton is the backup center, but don’t let that fool you. If Banks can’t go, it’s Burton at left guard. Losing a starter, especially early, is a brutal blow to any offense trying to find its rhythm.
So, going into Week 1 against the division rival Minnesota Vikings, the Packers have some immediate hurdles to clear, especially on that offensive line. How Banks and Bako-Bewele hold up, or if they even get a full 60 minutes in, will tell us a lot about what kind of early season this could be for Green Bay. This isn’t just about winning one game; it’s about setting the tone for the season, and they’re already facing some tough questions right out of the gate.
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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