The Green Bay Packers have had an injury-hit season that has threatened to derail what was once a highly-promising campaign.
Key players in center Elgton Jenkins, All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt and tight end, Tucker Kraft all suffered season-ending injuries that will keep them out of the postseason.
However, amidst a stream of injuries, that has also seemed to have affected running back, Josh Jacobs, over the past few weeks, despite him suiting up in Weeks 16 and 17, there is some good news for the organization.
The team expects right tackle, Zach Tom, to return from injury and be ready to face the Chicago Bears on Saturday night at Soldier Field, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.
“He’s one of the best, I think, in the league at his position,” Matt LaFleur said. “So that would definitely be a boost.”
Story:
Zach Tom Expected To Play On Saturday Night
“I think that would be a huge get,” LaFleur said of Tom playing this week. “He’s our most consistent offensive lineman. He’s one of the best, I think, in the league at his position. So that would definitely be a boost.” Schneidman wrote on Tuesday.
A reinforcement of the optimism towards Tom returning from the fold also came from the fact that LaFleur noted we could have seen a return from the highly-compensated right tackle earlier, if more had been at stake.
“Tom hasn’t played since injuring his knee in Week 15 against the Denver Broncos.” Schneidman continued. “LaFleur indicated Tom would’ve played last Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings had there been something at stake, but the Packers rested a handful of key players with the No. 7 seed already secured.
The Packers’ Offensive Line Has Had A Mixed Season
The offensive line has not quite been up to scratch relative to years prior, and struggled mightily early on in the season.
Over the past couple of months, since fourth year pro, Sean Rhyan moved to center and rookie second round pick, Anthony Belton came into the lineup at guard, the unit as a whole has been far more consistent.
Despite some very poor showings at the beginning of the year when put in at right tackle, Belton has proved himself to be a more and more capable player on the inside.
However, in Tom’s absence the Packers have had to play 2024 first round pick, Jordan Morgan, at right tackle over the past three weeks. Whilst Morgan’s play has certainly gotten better than his work back in September, there is still a ways for the former Arizona alum to go.
The team will no doubt be thrilled at the seemingly likely probability that their best offensive lineman will take the field on Saturday – hopefully earning the Packers just their second playoff win since the 2021 season.
Packers Get Great News On Best Offensive Lineman