For the Packers, the thorough drubbing of the Commanders on Thursday night was impressive enough on its face, but it’s even more impressive when put into the context of the offensive line. That’s because the team’s top two linemen–right tackle Zach Tom and left guard Aaron Banks–were both out with injuries, replaced by Jordan Morgan and Anthony Belton.
Despite that, the Packers put up 404 yards and 27 points on the Washington defense, with quarterback Jordan Love only absorbing two sacks on the night.
And, frankly, traveling to Cleveland for Week 3 for a matchup against the woebegone Browns, at 0-2, the Packers don’t much need Banks and Tom to come out with a win. Still, coach Matt LaFleur said that neither injury is expected to be long-term, which means that they could play on Sunday.
That objective, though, is off to a rough start with Monday’s practice.
4 Packers Miss Practice
In all, four players sat during the Packers‘ practice, with receiver Jayden Reed highlighting the list because of the collarbone injury he suffered against Washington. Reed is unlikely to be back on the field until November.
Bo Melton, the receiver-turned-corner, was out on Monday, too.
Tom and Banks also were reported to be out for the media portion of practice. Tom, according to PackersNews.com, “joined the team outside but participated in a separate rehab assignment on the side during the media’s open portion of practice.” It was much the same for Banks.
Zach Thom, Aaron Banks Could Return
The Packers had left the door open for Tom and Banks to be back on the field for Week 2, and LaFleur did declare the injuries to be, “nothing long-term.” Tom suffered an oblique injury in the opener against Detroit, while Banks–given four years and $77 million to come over from the 49ers in free agency this offseason–has an ankle/groin injury.
LaFleur said he is not concerned about the two missing time.
“Certainly, two guys that have a lot of experience, so not as concerned about them. There’s no live reps this week. We’ll just see where we’re at,” he said.
Morgan and Belton are decidedly lacking in experience, though, as Belton was a rookie making his first start last week and Morgan, a sophomore, was making his second career start. But LaFleur was pleased.
“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.”
2 Packers Starters Miss Practice Amid Hope of Week 3 Injury Return