It was easy to overlook because, in the end, it did not seem to matter much for what has been a Packers juggernaut after just two NFL weeks. But in the midst of Green Bay scoring 27 points and racking up 404 yards against the Commanders last Thursday, the team’s top two linemen–right tackle Zach Tom and left guard Aaron Banks–both sat out with injuries, replaced by Jordan Morgan and Anthony Belton.
It’s not often that a pair of linemen recently signed to nearly $170 million worth of contracts can be replaced by a second-year man and a rookie and not really miss a beat, but that’s what happened for the Packers with their second straight win over an NFC contender.
But there is good news from coach Matt LaFleur on both Tom and Banks ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the lowly Browns–both were on the practice field on Wednesday.
Banks says he plans to play in Week 3, while Tom is still questionable.
Zach Tom, Aaron Banks Back at Practice
From ESPN’s Rob Demovsky: “Packers coach Matt LaFleur said both Zach Tom (oblique) and Aaron Banks (ankle/groin) will return to practice today but on a limited basis.”
That’s good news for an offense that has put up 54 points against two tough defenses in the first two weeks of the year. It’s not guaranteed that both or either will play on Sunday, but getting them back on the practice field is a good start.
Even without the high-priced veterans on the field, LaFleur was pleased with the line’s play.
“I thought what was pretty impressive is missing two starters − although Jordan Morgan, I consider a starter as well − but having a new right tackle with Belton in there and (Darrian) Kinnard playing some, I thought our guys did a pretty good job with protection,” he said. “We try to help out that right side a little bit. (But) it allowed these guys to get their feet wet.”
Packers Need More Running Room
Still, there is room for improvement as the line learns to work off each other. Banks is a new guy, of course, and Elgton Jenkins has moved to center. With the injuries now, there have no doubt been some growing pains for the Packers up front, especially in run blocking.
Star back Josh Jacobs has still managed–150 yards on 42 carries and two touchdowns–but the Packers want to give him more room.
“Unfortunately, we haven’t had a lot of great running lanes for him yet,” LaFleur said. “A lot of it is a by-product of how teams are playing us, really trying to emphasize and stop the run, but he’s done a heck of a job getting a ton of yards after contact.”
Jacobs has a bit extra at stake on Sunday: He has touchdowns in 11 straight games and can become only the second player in league history to make it 12 straight against the Browns.
Packers Get Good News on 2 Starters Ahead of Week 3