On Monday, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur provided an update and some clarity on the injury status of Packers RT Zach Tom. The fourth-year tackle out of Wake Forest is Green Bay’s best offensive lineman, and he missed Week 2 with an injury he suffered in Week 1. He attempted to play in Week 3 against the Browns, but had to leave the game when his injury started bothering him.
“I wouldn’t say ‘further re-aggravated,’ I think it was more or less — it’s always hard to simulate what you’re going to face in a game,” LaFleur clarified in his Monday press conference. “And I think he just, and you’d have to ask him, but I just think that the force of the guy that he’s going against, you know, it hurt him. So he didn’t feel like he could go.”
When asked if he’s saying Tom did not re-aggravate his injury, LaFleur confirmed it. “Correct,” he said.
Green Bay Packers HC Matt LaFleur on How They Evaluate Returns From Injury
Michael Reaves/GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 17: Zach Tom #50, Sean Rhyan #75, Josh Myers #71, Elgton Jenkins #74 and Rasheed Walker #63 of the Green Bay Packers look on against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
“Yeah it’s tough, like I said. I just think that I would chalk it up to: it’s hard to simulate what these guys are going to go against in the game,” LaFleur said. “I mean, we did our best, in terms of trying to put them through enough, and certainly had them going in practice. But still, the game is — it’s a different speed.”
Yeah I think every situation is a little bit different,” said LaFleur on how this situation compares to former Packers CB Jaire Alexander. “So I’m confident in our [medical training staff], I think they do a great job. They’re thorough. Certainly the players [have] say-so into the return to play, as well, and in terms of just their confidence level. Obviously, first and foremost, you have to be cleared medically, and we never want to put a guy out there that could potentially have a setback. So I think those guys do a really thorough job.”
“No, I think it’s been pretty consistent, at least in my time here,” he said on how the medical staff handles injuries.
The Green Bay Packers’ Offensive Line Struggled Mightily Against the Browns
It was a tough day at the office for the Packers‘ offensive line against the vaunted Cleveland front. They mustered just 81 total rushing yards, with an abysmal 2.6 yards per carry average. Packers QB Jordan Love was sacked five times, as well.
Really, the entire Green Bay offense struggled on Sunday. The Browns probably have the best defense in the league, despite their record. They held the Bengals offense to just seven total second-half yards back in Week 1, when Cincinnati still had QB Joe Burrow. They held Ravens All-Pro RB Derrick Henry to 23 rushing yards for a full game.
But if the Packers are to live up to their potential as one of the elite teams in not just the NFC, but the NFL as a whole, their line needs to play better. Tom is their best lineman, and getting him back healthy is critical.
Packers HC Matt LaFleur Provides Update on Zach Tom Injury