Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst held his pre-draft press conference on Tuesday.
He not only talked extensively about the 2026 NFL Draft, but things that have gone on throughout the entire offseason thus far. Among those topics were the state of the Packers’ offensive line, which include an important update on right tackle Zach Tom.
Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst confirms OT Zach Tom underwent offseason knee surgery
Tom missed the final three games of the regular season, as well as Green Bay’s wild-card playoff game, after sustaining a torn patellar tendon in Week 15. Gutekunst confirmed that Tom did undergo surgery to fix the issue, and that he expects Tom to be ready to start the 2026 season.
“He did (have surgery), and he’s doing well,” Gutekunst said. “Zach’s a good player, and he’s a very experienced player. I felt we were very adequate there when (Darian) Kinncard stepped in, and we have a number of bodies that can go play tackle. But, whenever you lose guys like Zach Tom, you have to adjust. I thought we did a nice job of doing that. Fortunately for him, he’ll be ready to roll as we get going. I give him a lot of credit, he fought his tail off to try to finish it out. I’m very appreciative of that.”
Last offseason the Packers gave Tom a four-year, $88 million contract extension, The $30.2 million signing bonus that came along with that was the largest for an offensive lineman in NFL history at the time. Tom should not only be good to go for the upcoming season, but should also be able to participate in training camp during late July and early August.
Brian Gutekunst Is High on the Packers’ Offensive Line as a Whole
GettyPackers’ offensive line
When Gutekunst was asked about the depth of Green Bay’s offensive line, he had a lot of positives things to say, but also left the door open to add to it during the draft.
“I feel really good about it,” Gutekunst said. “We got a couple guys coming off injury. Zach’s coming off an injury. Jacob’s (Jacob Monk) coming off an injury. But, I really like our starting five. I thought Jacob did a really good job in that last game at center, so I feel really good about his ability. We’re going to get (Travis) Glover back as well. Donovan Jennings (also back), and we brought Kinnard back. I feel really good about our whole group and the competition that’s in that room. We’re always going to look to add to the offensive line. There’s only so many big guys in the world that can play at a high level. I feel good about it.”
The Packers lost Rasheed Walker and Elgton Jenkins, who made a combined 25 starts last season. However, Jordan Morgan should be an adequate replacement for Walker, as should Sean Rhyan for Jenkins. Green Bay could use some quality depth, and potentially find someone to push Anthony Belton at right guard, who has struggled as a rookie last season.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Provides Important Update on OT Zach Tom