One of the consistent features of this week in Packers practice was the question of whether the team’s two top-paid offensive linemen–guard Aaron Banks and tackle Zach Tom–would be back on the field for Week 3 in Cleveland. Banks, who was out with a groin and ankle injury, declared himself fit for service on Friday, while Tom (oblique injury) was a gametime decision.
Ultimately, Tom was activated, too, meaning the Packers had their offensive line intact.
For one play, at least.
Zach Tom Injured on Packers’ First Drive
Tom was injured again on the first play the team ran, his oblique muscle proving to have been not ready for action in what was a bad omen for the Packers and their 13-10 loss to Cleveland. Not long after that, Banks came out, too, with another groin injury. Coach Matt LaFleur indicated that Banks’ injury was a new one, but he was not pleased with the decisions that were made to play the two.
“Obviously, yeah,” LaFleur said when asked if there was some regret in putting the pair on the field. “I’d say if a guy plays one play—and so we’ve gotta have some discussions, we can’t allow that to happen. It’s disappointing when he plays one play. Banks, I don’t think that was the case, it was a different injury. It is what it is, it happens.”
Packers Linemen Facing Injury Concerns
For Tom, dealing with injuries is a new thing. He started 38 straight games for the Packers, including the playoffs, before missing Week 2. After pushing himself back from the oblique problem, there is a chance it could require a lot more time to heal.
Banks, on the other hand, has a history of injuries, and missed four games for the 49ers in 2024. He was an injury concern all through training camp, and that was one reason why San Francisco was willing to let him go in free agency.
It’s a concern for the Packers. The two guys they have behind Banks and Tom are 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan and 2025 second-rounder Anthony Belton, both of whom struggled against Cleveland’s fearsome defensive front.
Jordan Love Under Pressure All Day
LaFleur said the Packers offense had some difficulty getting into a rhythm because of the pass rush, which kept the team limited to quick-hitting routes and did not allow quarterback Jordan Love the time to let plays develop.
Love was sacked five times on the day.
“It felt like, from my perspective, that he was under duress for the majority of the game,” LaFleur said. “So we’ve got to look at just some of the things we’re asking our guys to do in terms of protection schemes. We’ve got to do it better.”
Matt LaFleur Admits ‘Obvious’ Packers Week 3 Mistake on Injuries